Colleagues in tribute to ‘full of fun’ Caspar
COLLEAGUES of Caspar Blackburn, whose body was found in a canal in Manchester, have described him as a ‘full of fun and willing to help anyone who needed it’.
Caspar, 22, failed to turn up to work at Carpetright in Macclesfield, prompting a six-day investigation into his disappearance.
But the police search came to a tragic end on Saturday when a body was recovered from the Bridgewater Canal in Sale, Manchester.
Colleagues from Car- petright, where Caspar worked as an assistant manager, said Caspar had grown into a ‘mature, capable and well-mannered young man’ during his time at the store.
A spokesman for the Lyme Green store said: “Caspar Blackburn walked into the Altrincham store just under five years ago looking for a part-time job.
“We have since watched him grow and develop from a gangly, hard-working and determined teenager, working in the warehouse; into a mature, capable and well-mannered young man, recently promoted to assistant manager of the Macclesfield branch.
“Caspar was always full of fun and willing to help anyone who needed it.
“He was a much-loved and respected member of our team and an absolute credit to his family. They should be very proud of all he achieved within his time at Carpetright and the long-lasting impression he has had on all of us.
“His presence within both the Altrincham and Macclesfield stores will be greatly missed and he will always hold a special place in our hearts.”
A Justgiving site set up to raise funding for Cas- par’s funeral has raised almost £8,000.
A statement on the site, which appears to have been set up by Caspar’s father Robert Blackburn, reads: “He was such a young, kind, hard-working soul and car enthusiast who would help anyone.
“The public outpouring of emotion has touched the family deeply and we’ve been approached with offers of donations.
“As a family we thank you for all the kind comments and support over the past week and hope we can give the best send off possible to our Cas.”
Caspar, from Sale, had last been seen at the Slug and Lettuce in Sale at around 2am on Sunday, October 1. He was sitting outside the pub with friends, but did not go back inside with the group.
Caspar then failed to turn up to work or collect his beloved Nissan 350Z.
A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: “Enquiries are ongo- ing to determine the circumstances which led to the man’s death, however, it is not believed to be suspicious.”