Darrell Woodley – pictured with his partner Jason Anderson: ‘I want him to be remembered through the phrase Be More Darrell’

WHETHER helping elderly neighbours with their bills, tending to communal gardens, or redirecting lost tourists, Darrell Woodley had compassion and community cohesion at his heart.

He died in August aged 46, and is remembered by his partner Jason Anderson as an “ebullient, magical ray of sunlight of a person”, who would go above and beyond to assist anybody and everybody in the community.

“He was so open, so caring and inquisitive and he had a very rare capability of naturally connecting to people instantly, a real magnetic character,” said Mr Anderson.

Darrell was born in Cardiff and moved to Uxbridge as a child. He relocated to Highbury 22 years ago and had lived there ever since.

Jason first met Darrell 15 years ago and within months they had “fallen head over heels” for each other and moved in together in Highbury.

“He was the yin to my yang, we were different personality-wise. He was more outgoing, talked to anyone, while I’m more reserved.”

Mr Anderson said that Darrell was the “interconnected tissue” of the neighbourhood, who knew everyone and was known by everyone.

“He had immense empathy and was constantly helping people in the community. Whether they knew him for 10 hours or 10 minutes, he would go out of his way to assist people.

“I remember one time, we were running late for a flight. Darrell was always late! “On our way, an elderly tourist approached us asking for directions in broken English. Even though we were against the clock, Darrell stopped to help him, walked him across the road and wouldn’t leave the station until a staff member had agreed to help him on his way.

“It’s just an example of how selfless he was.”

Throughout his life, Darrell had struggled with depression and anxiety, and overcame stage four cancer before he met Mr Anderson.

“Even though he was battling so much inside, he was still helping others and being the light in the dark,” Mr Anderson said.

In September friends and family gathered in Highbury Fields to celebrate Darrell’s life.

Jason added: “It was a beautiful day but it was very difficult. There was just an outpouring of love for him. So many people will miss him and all of what he did for them and how he made people feel.

“He would want people to celebrate him, he wouldn’t want people to just be sad all the time.

“I think we can all learn from him and his character. I want him to be remembered through the phrase: ‘Be More Darrell’.

“It means be more open, be more loving to your neighbours, talk to that stranger and call in on your elderly. Come together as a community.”

Darrell had studied photography at university, and Mr Anderson said he was “outrageously creative”, aways working on gardening, fashion and interior design projects.

He loved going to the gym, hiking, and most of all, his four chihuahuas that he shared with Mr Anderson.