Tributes paid to 'loving' Joe Phipps from Honeybourne

Joe Phipps was described as leaving a "hole only his cheesy grin and big feet can fill" after he was found dead last month.

The family said Mr Phipps had "heartbreakingly taken his own life".

Joe with his parents, Andy and Nadine Phipps. (Image: Amy Watson)The 23-year-old was well known in the Honeybourne area and had participated in multiple charity boxing matches.

His partner, Amy Watson, said he was involved in the sport to help his mental health and had hoped to run professional classes to help younger generations with their mental health struggles.

She said: "He was incredibly loud, flamboyant and always out to make everyone happy. He was always making a joke.

Joe Phipps and his partner Amy Watson. (Image: Amy Watson)"He left a hole only his cheesy grin and big feet can fill. He had so much love to give - he was so happy to everyone he met. 

"He was an incredible father and adored all three children.

"He had an incredible relationship with the kids."

Mr Phipps is survived by his partner, Miss Watson, his son Harrison, two stepsons, Charlie and Riegan, his mother and father, Andy and Nadine Phipps, and two sisters, Abigail and Georgia Tranter. 

The family has set up a GoFundMe to help pay for funeral costs and also to be put into a trust fund for Mr Phipps two-year-old son, Harrison.

Some of the money will also go towards setting up a foundation in memory of Mr Phipps, which will include teaching boxing classes. 

The funeral will be held at the Vale Crematorium on Friday, April 19, at 2pm.

Everyone is welcome, and the family said they wish to "show how truly loved and missed" Mr Phipps is.

Mourners have been told to wear bright colours and men to wear floral shirts—the uglier, the better. 

West Mercia Police reported the 23-year-old missing on Sunday (March 18), and officers said they were "very concerned for his welfare."

The police later found a body and said they were not treating the death as suspicious.

The inquest has been adjourned until October 14.

Helplines

The Herefordshire and Worcestershire 24-hour urgent mental health helpline is available to anyone needing urgent mental health support. It's free to call and open 24 hours a day to people of all ages - 0808 196 9127

Worcestershire Safe Haven provides telephone support and face-to-face appointments to Worcestershire residents who are experiencing a mental health crisis. Call 01905 600400 any day of the week between 6pm and midnight for support and signposting.

Call 116 123 to talk to Samaritans, or email: jo@samaritans.org for a reply within 24 hours