A HAIRDRESSER who 'touched the hearts of everyone he met' died after returning from a family holiday.

Mark Archer, 40, who worked in Blackburn all his life, passed away after contracting pneumonia.

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The Nigel's Cutting Shop stylist had complained of a bad back prior to coming back from a holiday in Blackpool.

He was admitted to Royal Blackburn Hospital and diagnosed with the condition before being put into an induced coma.

Unfortunately his condition deteriorated and Mr Archer contracted septicaemia. He died on Monday, May 16.

The hairdresser spent a lot of his childhood on the Wimberely Estate, Shear Brow and attended St Albans RC Primary and Our Lady and St John schools.

Mr Archer became an apprentice hairdresser at the age of 15 and after working at various hair salons, he started worked at Nigel's Cutting Shop in 2004.

Mr Archer's sister, Lisa Smith, 35, said her brother's death came as a big shock to the family.

She said: "Mark was the best big brother anyone could ever wish for.

"He was an absolute gentleman who would do anything for anyone, he would give you his last pound if you needed it.

"I saw him as a dad to my two daughters, Olivia, 17, and Evie-Leigh, two. He would take them out whenever he had the chance to.

"I've had so many people message me who I have never met before saying my brother was a wonderful man. They were right.

"I have had people tell me he had cut their daughter's hair for several years and they had formed a great bond with him.

"Hearing these stories was amazing and very fitting for Mark."

Nigel's Cutting Shop owner, Nigel Womack, said: "Mark touched the hearts of everyone he met at the salon.

"I have never known anyone to have ever said a bad word about him.

"He would do so much for everyone and he put a smile on everyone's face.

"He lived life to the full, he's done more in 40 years than a lot of people do in 80. He was a terrific person.

"I will never forget Mark, everyone who met him was blessed."

Mr Archer's funeral is still to be arranged.