Touching tributes go out to ‘loving father’

An outpouring of touching messages have been left on the social networking site, Facebook, in the wake of the death of Paul Harrop, of Farnhurst Road, Barnham, on Friday, December 30.

In a photograph, posted on the “Paul Harrop RIP” group, the 46-year-old’s three sons are seen holding a set of balloons, one of which says: “To my dad, I will miss you lots.”

The balloons were released during a private family ceremony, on New Year’s Eve, by the three youngsters, in memory of their father.

Paul, who worked at the Tesco superstore, in Broadpiece, Littlehampton, died after being struck by the Brighton to Portsmouth train, at the A284 Lyminster Road level crossing, shortly before 7pm.

Paul had recently filed for bankruptcy after racking up debt of almost £70,000 and plunging into great depression, his father, Norman, has said.

Speaking of his heartbreak, Norman, who lives in Blackpool, said: “I just can’t get my head around what has happened.

“I didn’t hear from Paul at Christmas and was worried but this never entered my mind.

“There was no doubt in my mind debt was the reason, Paul was a proud man and a loving husband and father who worked all his life.

“He was my only son and I can’t put into words how much he will be missed.”

The former pub landlord was born in Blackpool and attended Bispham catering college before leaving for London at 17-years-old.

He worked in hotels and later became landlord of the George Inn at Eartham, where he meet his wife, Sarah, more than eight years ago.

They left the pub trade two years ago because of financial pressures.

Loving wife Sarah said: “I have tried to have been as honest as I can with the children but it has been difficult.

“It has been a massive shock for all his family and friends.

“He was the sort of person that would do anything for anyone. He was a lovely man, and a caring husband.

“Now it’s a case of moving forward and staying strong for the children’s sake.”

Since Paul’s death, family friend, Barbara Battams has set up the Facebook page for in Paul’s memory.

Dozens of comments have since been posted on the Facebook site “wall”.

Speaking to the Gazette on Wednesday (January 11) she said: “Paul was a good friend. He was an excellent publican and friend to everyone and certainly, from what I can see from his employees’ comments on the site, a nice person to work for.

“He was one of the nicest people I have met and never had a bad word to say about anyone, always willing to lend a hand and help people. He will be sadly missed by everyone who came into contact with him.

In a post on the tribute page, Jane Thorpe said: “When at the George, Paul raised a lot of money for charities and worked very hard at making sure everyone had a good time. God bless.”

A spokeswoman for BTP said that a post-mortem examination had taken place on Wednesday (January 4) and that a report was currently being prepared for the coroner.

The spokeswoman added that the BTP was not launching an investigation into the death as investigators were satisfied that there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding the incident.

Paul’s funeral is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, at St Mary Magdalene Church, in Madehurst, from 2.30pm.

Friends of Paul are welcome to attend the ceremony.