A POPULAR window cleaner has died after a tragic fall.

Daryl Shaw – who had only one arm – had been a postman for many years and was also a good runner and soccer player.

Daryl, 45, of Honley, was born without a left arm below his elbow, yet never let that stop him in either his work or social life.

He suffered serious head injuries in a fall while cleaning windows at a house on Occupation Road in Lindley on Tuesday teatime and died later that evening at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary.

An inquest into the tragedy was due to open at Bradford Coroner’s Court today and his funeral will be next Wednesday.

His sister, Alison Beaumont, 43, said: “Daryl was born with one arm, but never regarded himself as disabled. He just got on with life and never let it stop him from doing anything he wanted to do.

“Even when he was young he insisted on tying his own shoelaces – and did it his way. But that was Daryl. He got on with things and never asked anyone for help. He lived life to the full and achieved everything he wanted to achieve.’’

The former Newsome High pupil achieved his gold Duke Of Edinburgh Award when he was just 18.

Daryl went to Fitness First in Lockwood just about every day and also loved cycling, mountain biking and fishing.

He was a long-distance runner and a member of Holmfirth Harriers for many years.

He also played soccer for teams in Netherton, Linthwaite and most recently for the second team at Honley.

Holmfirth Harriers youth development officer John McFadzean said: “Daryl was a very good club runner and was a very helpful, polite and reliable person. I was also involved at Honley Football Club and if Daryl said he was playing soccer at Honley or running with the Harriers, he would be there. He was a good, strong, fair competitor.’’

After leaving school Daryl worked in the textile trade and then became an engineer. But he loved the outdoors and became a postman. Over the years he had rounds in Longwood, Armitage Bridge, Hall Bower and Kirkburton.

After leaving the Royal Mail around five years ago he set up his own business and bought a window-cleaning round in Lindley.

Customers were delighted with his work – and he would always sort out other problems such as blocked gutters if he spotted them while cleaning the windows.

Alison said: “Daryl was very well thought of on his round. Just before the accident he was having a cup of tea and cake with one of his regular customers.

“He was a very sociable person and would have a natter with an elderly person who had not spoken to anyone all day.’’

Daryl’s mum, Brenda, died 15 years ago. His father, Ken, lives in Netherton and he also leaves two brothers, Russell, 48 and Johnnie, 37.

Daryl’s funeral will be next Wednesday at South Crosland Church in Netherton at 1.45pm followed by cremation at Huddersfield Crematorium at 3pm.