The heartbroken family of Dan Barlow have led moving tributes to a man whose life touched many.

The 33-year-old died after his car was in collision with a Range Rover in Lower Withington last Thursday.

His wife, Katie, described Dan as the love of her life and ‘the best husband, father and friend in the world’.

Dan, of Primrose Avenue, Macclesfield, leaves two daughters, Isobel, three, and Holly, one.

Katie said:?“The girls and I will miss him forever.

“Everyone who met Dan was touched by his magic.

“We would like to thank family, friends and neighbours for all the support.”

His dad, Alan, went on: “He was a beautiful and loving son who will be greatly missed by everyone. We are immensely grateful to everyone who has shown support to Katie and Dan’s family.”

In a statement, Katie, Dan’s parents Jean and Alan, and sister Victoria had described Dan as ‘a dedicated and loving family man, adored by his wife, two daughters, mum and dad, sister and dearly loved by all who knew him’.

It said:?“A keen mountain biker and musician, he devoted his life to helping other people as a pain nurse.” Dan grew up around the Moss estate and went to Parkroyal Community School before Ryles Park High School.

After leaving school Dan trained as a nurse at Macclesfield Hospital.

Over nine years he found his calling in the acute pain service where he helped establish a chronic pain service in the community.

More recently he worked at Leighton Hospital in a senior nursing role.

Lee Wadsworth, a close friend and nursing colleague, said: “Dan really cared for his patients and was always prepared to listen and use words to comfort.

“If you had been nursed by Dan it would be a comforting experience that you would never forget. He will be sadly missed by the healthcare community and the patients he served.”

Kath Senior, director of nursing at Macclesfield Hospital, said Dan would be “remembered fondly by colleagues”.

Staff at Leighton Hospital said Dan’s “skills and expertise will be greatly missed, but not as much as his warm, welcoming and friendly personality will be”.

Dan married Katie in 2009 and the couple lived in Roe Street before settling in Primrose Avenue.

Chris Bull, who was best man at the couple’s wedding, said Dan was ‘the best friend anyone could ever wish for’.

He said: “I’ve never known anyone who touched so many people’s lives in such a positive way. He was immensely popular with everyone he met.

“I will always remember his big smile and his infectious enthusiasm for life.”

Dan was well known in the cycling community, taking regular rides in Macclesfield Forest as well as long distance adventures.

Friend Andy Smith said: “Dan was always so excited about exploring the world around us, discovering new places and meeting new people.

“His passion and energy for adventure was boundless and so contagious.

“His smile and warm heart made every pedal stroke an absolute joy.

“His kindness, love and mindfulness towards his fellow cyclists was simply breath-taking.”

Dan was a talented guitarist and songwriter. He and Katie performed together at their daughter Holly’s christening last summer.

Friend Jenny Wightman said: “When I think of Dan, I think of a man so full of love and compassion, the biggest smile I’ve ever known, and a kindness that everyone who met him wanted to replicate.”

Friend Jonny Porter said: “Just spending time with Dan made life a whole lot easier.”