Family and friends have been left 'heartbroken' by the death of an Oldham dad-of-three who suffered a shock stroke just days after returning from holiday.

Darren Ogden leaves behind his partner, Melissa, and three young children- daughters Lacey Mae and Ella, both 11-years-old and son Jacob, five, who has spina bifida.

The 34-year-old was rushed to hospital on May 29 after suffering a stroke and doctors discovered a blood clot in his brain.

It came just two days after he returned from a holiday in Turkey with friends and his family.

Darren was transferred to a critical care unit and was placed into a coma after his condition deteriorated rapidly. 

He died peacefully on June 13 at 11.30am, leaving his friends and family 'heartbroken'.

Darren Ogden was just 34-years-old when he passed away. (Image: Emma Murphy)

Emma Murphy, a close friend who was on the holiday with Darren and his family, has set up a fundraiser to help Darren's family with funeral costs. 

She said in her GoFundMe appeal: "I have set up this page to help support some very close friends of mine whose worlds have fell apart. 

"It is a total shock- nobody should ever have to go through this at such a young age, we are all truly heartbroken.

"I’ve set up this GoFundMe page to be able to give some kind of support to Melissa and the kids, to make their life a little bit bearable as her whole life has come to a standstill."

Melissa has also lost her job as she remained by Darren's side every day leading up to his death, meaning the family have been left in a truly difficult position. 

Those who want to donate to help Darren's family, can do so by searching GoFundMe for 'Help with funeral cost for Darren Ogden'.

Darren with his 5-year-old son, Jacob (Image: GoFundMe)

Emma added: "I would like everybody to please help as much as you can.

"We do understand that times are hard but anything will help, any money that is raised will go to the family directly to make sure that they are coping and 'Drac' [Darren] gets the best send off ever as he deserves."

She said Darren was "young, fit and healthy, the life and soul of the party and loved his friends and family dearly".

Donations had reached more than £7,500 by yesterday afternoon (June 17).