Bolton family pays tribute after death of Ethan Roberts

Ethan Roberts, from Horwich, died unexpectedly on April 7 from what his family believe was an undiagnosed medical condition.

The 22-year-old had been preparing to begin a new chapter in his life, with plans to restart his studies at the University of Lancashire on a foundation course.

Ethan was close to his friends who came from secondary school. (Image: Olivia Kelly)

His family said Ethan, who volunteered with The Bolton Destitution Project, was known for his kindness, humour and affection towards others.

His father, Kevin Roberts, said: “He was quite a unique boy. He had characteristics of humour. He was a remarkable, unique boy, he was a caring sort, especially with children.

“He was also very well known throughout his life to hug people, and never lost that throughout growing up. We miss his hugs.”

He was about to go to university. (Image: Olivia Kelly)

Ethan had completed a diploma in social care and had also worked with the Bolton pantomime.

He volunteered weekly at The Bolton Destitution Project after first becoming involved through his grandmother, who also supported the charity.

The organisation supports asylum seekers and refugees by providing food, friendship and practical help, alongside weekly casework sessions.

Kevin said Ethan “genuinely liked helping people” and wanted to use his time to support others.

He thought a lot of his family (Image: Olivia Kelly)

He added: “He sometimes felt a bit delayed compared to some peers, felt a bit behind in doing degrees.

“He felt he wanted to do something with his time, and through his connection with family, he felt it was something important to him, but also he genuinely liked helping people.”

Ethan’s family described him as someone who stayed close to his loved ones and maintained a tight-knit group of friends from secondary school.

Kevin said: “He had a really good close group of friends that had been friends all the way through secondary school.

Ethan spent his time volunteering for his community. (Image: Olivia Kelly)

“They were typical gamer guys, communicating online. He was a remarkable lad, very close to his family in each other’s lives.”

The family said support from across the Bolton community has helped them through the weeks following Ethan’s death.

Kevin said staff and pupils connected to his former primary school, where members of the family worked, had been “absolutely supportive”.

Now, Ethan’s loved ones are hoping to continue his legacy through a fundraiser in his memory.

Adrian, the father of Ethan’s best friend Christian, is taking part in the Bolton Ironman Triathlon on June 7 to raise money for The Bolton Destitution Project.

The event will include a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bike ride and a 13.1-mile run.

Ethan Roberts was good with children. (Image: Olivia Kelly)

Adrian said: “For me as a dad, [I want] to raise as much money as I can to show how much he contributed and how important his life running alongside the charity is.

“The fact he is no longer here — I know he would be happy.”

A GoFundMe page has been launched to support the fundraiser.

In a message on the page, Adrian described Ethan as “a remarkable young man, full of love, care and compassion”.

He added: “This has been a devastating time for all who knew and loved Ethan, especially for Ethan’s family, who we stand with to provide support and comfort.”

More information about the fundraiser can be found on the GoFundMe page.