HEARTFELT and moving tributes have been paid to a talented barber and former firefighter from Dorset.

Lee Dixon, who died suddenly last week, was 29 years old and lived and worked in Wareham as a well-respected barber.

Following his sudden death at the end of last month, Lee’s family have set-up a special fundraising page to support his young daughter, Remi.

Paul Rogers, Lee’s uncle, speaking on the family’s behalf said: “He touched so many lives. We weren’t aware of how far and wide his talent had actually stretched.

“He was just a lovely, caring person. He was an amazing young man who had achieved so much in his short life. He had so many friends and family around him. We are all devastated.

“The outpouring for him is very, very comforting.”

Floral tributes have been left at Bond’s Barbershop in Wareham, with a photo of Lee placed in his barber’s chair.

Mike Taylor who worked with Lee in his training academy, Mike Taylor Education, said: “Lee loved everything about barbering. He loved cutting hair, talking to his clients and making people feel great.

“Lee also loved training hairdressers and barbers in new up to date skills.

“All the students he taught, adored him and always wanted more education from him.

“He also loved working on stage at barber and hair shows across the UK.

“He was very well known within the barbering industry with his work getting published in the biggest industry magazines and being finalist in the British Master Barbers Barber of the year competition twice and winning The Barber Awards title in 2018.

“Lee’s untimely passing has shocked and saddened the barber world. RIP Lee we will all really miss you.”

Tributes have also been paid to the 29-year-old from his colleagues at Bond’s.

In a statement on their Facebook page, a spokesperson said: “In 2019, Lee, alongside Mike and Adam, opened Bond’s Wareham and this was his pride and joy.

“Lee absolutely loved his barbering career, both behind the chair in Wareham with Billy and Finn and also educating for Mike Taylor Education and the Great British Barbering Academy.

“Lee always brought plenty of banter, laughter and smiles with him and his loss will be felt across the barbering community far and wide.

“We are sending all of our love to Lee’s family at this devastating time.”

Bournemouth Echo:

Colleagues at Wareham fire station also paid tribute saying: “Wareham Fire Station would like to send their condolences to the family and friends of Lee Dixon who was once a serving firefighter at Wareham Fire station.

“Our thoughts are with you at this very difficult time.”

On the fundraising page, a tribute said: “Now is our time to give back just a little of what Lee has given all of us. In memory of the love we all hold for him, a trust fund has been set up in support of his young daughter Remi.”

If you would like to donate, you can find the fundraiser here https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/lee-dixon-bonds-peaky-barber?utm_source=offline&utm_medium=qrcode&utm_term=j4KWw4Xky