A WELL-known and much-loved Southampton family man, sportsman, former doorman and larger than life character has lost his courageous battle with cancer.

The family of 44-year-old Paul Ferris have paid tribute to the ‘caring clown’ who passed away at Countess Mountbatten Hospice surrounded by loved ones after a dignified fight with a rare form of the disease.

A cherished husband, father, brother, son and friend, Paul was also a talented cricketer, footballer and golfer.

Born in Shirley, he grew up in Thornhill and was well known as the tongue in cheek resident DJ at the youth club.

He met his beloved wife Cath while working as a doorman at the Toad in the Park a decade ago. They became a couple after a night out there following Bon Jovi’s gig at St Mary’s Stadium in 2008 and married three years later.

Cath said: “The place was packed and we just saw each other across the room straight away. We spent the whole night laughing.

"Paul stole a kiss that night and I thought I’d like some more of those! We got together and the rest is history.

"I knew he was the one for me and we’ve been laughing ever since.”

Loving dad to Phoebe, aged 18, 17-year-old Olly and Cath’s daughter Ellen Stedman, 17, who he classed as his own, Paul was a highly-respected mentor to dozens of youngsters learning the game at Langley Manor Cricket Club for decades. He also played cricket for Southamptonshire and was goalkeeper for Lowford F.C. and later Baddesley Veterans F.C.

A sales account manager by day and doorman at venues like the Square Balloon, Brannigans and Chicago Rock Cafe by night, Paul, who was known as Pam to his army of friends, was a big music lover, particularly 70s glam rock.

Cath, who lived with Paul in Hightown, added: “None of us will ever forget him launching into his famous dance for his signature tune Wig Wam Bam.

"He was always the loudest on the pitch. Paul was known for being the clown and lots of fun, but also for really caring about people, especially his family.

"That was him. He was my best friend and he’s left a massive void in our lives.

"The house is painfully quiet without him.”

Paul also leaves his dad Dave, brother Daniel and sister Joanne High-Stephenson. His beloved mum Jan passed away ten years ago.

His ‘no black’ funeral service will take place at St Christopher’s Church in Thornhill at 1pm a week today. A private family burial and a wake at Ceno’s in Highfield will follow. There will be family flowers only, but donations to Countess Mountbatten Hospice are welcomed via justgiving.com/fundraising/cath-ferris1