'He was incredible': Heartbreak as BBC DJ and radio producer dies aged 40

A much-loved and 'beautiful' BBC radio DJ has died aged just 40 following a year-long fight with cancer.

Danny Stubbs' wife paid tribute to the "beautiful" music producer, who had developed oesophageal adenocarcinoma. She told Stoke on Trent Live he was "fighting to stay with her".

Dad-of-one Danny, from Chell Heath, Stoke-on-Trent, saw his DJ career take him around him around the globe, playing at iconic venues like Gatecrasher and Ministry of Sound. He featured on BBC radio on a number of occasions and remixed tracks for U2 and Ariana Grande, and collaborated with Paul Oakenfold.

His wife, Danielle, 33, remembered him as "the most beautiful person inside and out". She told how they met when they were next-door neighbours in Nantwich in 2019.

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They began spending time together in their gardens during the first lockdown in 2020 before moving into Danny's home. Danielle said: "Danny's friends always said that, even though he was always travelling the world he'd meet someone next-door, and that's exactly what happened."

However, in August 2023, Danny received a devastating diagnosis of Stage 4 oesophageal adenocarcinoma, a rare and inoperable cancer that had spread to his lymph nodes and bones in his spine. The only signs prior to his diagnosis were acid reflux, hiccoughing, and difficulty swallowing, which at the time, Danielle recalled, 'seemed innocent'.

Danny had been informed that palliative chemotherapy was his only available avenue of treatment. Danielle said: "It has been a journey of massive lows and massive highs." She added: "He was incredible."

Danielle shared how the couple got engaged. She said: "Danny had already been planning to get engaged to me - he had asked my dad months before he was diagnosed and was waiting for the right time. The unforeseen happened, and we had gone to the Lake District the weekend after we found out; that's when he proposed. He said, 'I don't want to wait, I think we should do it as soon as possible.'"

The couple organised their wedding in just 12 weeks, tying the knot on November 24, 2023. They celebrated with a Christmas honeymoon in Switzerland.

Despite the diagnosis, Danny, an electrical engineer at United Utilities, retained his zest for life, engaging in activities including skiing during his honeymoon, tackling half marathons, ascending peaks and performing.

"His attitude from the beginning was incredible," Danielle said. "He didn't want to listen to the prognosis, and he wanted to prove to the doctors that they were wrong."

She added: "It's not fair, but life went this way. It's hard to even think about the future, because it's not the life that we imagined. I just want to keep making him proud."

Danny died at St Luke's Hospice in Winsford on August 24. He leaves behind his daughter Leah, aged 19, his brothers Lee, Shaun, and Kenny, and his parents Gary and Angela.

His funeral will be in Crewe on Thursday. Danielle added: "My heart breaks for everyone that loved him too, his daughter Leah, both our families and all his friends. Danny was the most beautiful person inside and out. He had a sparkle in his eyes and a smile that would light up a room."

"I'm unbelievably proud of all he achieved, and I would like to thank everyone that has supported Danny's music throughout the years, his legacy will live on forever. I would also like to thank all those loved ones who supported us throughout the last 12 months and for all the comforting words of condolence since Danny's passing."

"I'm so proud of how Danny fought to stay with me, he never gave up and his mentality was so strong even up until the end. Danny still wins. Taking care of him was the greatest privilege, loving him was an honour. Loving Danny, and being loved by him, has and will always be the best thing about this life. I will carry him in my heart every day."

"I am so grateful for the time we had together but it would have been selfish of me to keep him when the cancer was cruel. Danny is no longer in pain and at peace now."

"The most beautiful person, loved by everyone. I will treasure our love forever. I love you, I miss you and will see you on the other side my sweet husband."