Tributes paid to Bradford Brewery founder Matthew Halliday

Matthew Halliday, who was born in Bingley and the founder of Bradford Brewery, died on January 7 at age of 36.

His heartbroken mum, Lynn Marie Parker, paid tribute to her son who was heavily involved in charity work throughout his life.

Matthew Halliday won a business award for his work with Bradford Brewery (Image: Newsquest)

"He was taken too young," she said.

"It was too soon, but I'm immensely proud of the happy life he had. He reached for the sky in everything he did."

Matthew was born in Bingley to his mother Lynn and his late father Tony Halliday and was the oldest of four children. He had two sisters, Tracey and Sophie, and a brother, Reece.

The family moved to Keighley and Matthew attended Holy Family Catholic School. As a young teen, he joined the Sea Cadets.

"Matthew had a passion for life and he was very academic," said Mrs Parker.

"He left school and began his charity work as a fundraiser with Manorlands."

He then attended Leeds University where he met his partner of 17 years, Roy Davison. 

Mrs Parker spoke about how her son was driven and always up for a challenge.

She said: "He went to London and his first major role was with London Friend, where was he served as chief executive. He was one of the youngest chief executives in the country."

She said that when he set his mind to something, he was driven. 

"While he was in London, after Amy Winehouse had died he supported her father and helped him set up a charity in her name," Mrs Parker added.

"He had many happy years in London but was always striving for the next challenge.

"He came back to Yorkshire with Roy and took over the over the White Horse pub in Bingley.

"They also took the tenancy of The Fisherman's pub in Bingley, a pub which they completely transformed."

Matthew, who was passionate about his beer, came up with a business plan and investors to open Bradford Brewery in the city centre in 2015.

Mrs Parker said: "The plans for the £400,000 brewery were unveiled in 2014. It was an old run-down building and was part of the Bradford Council Growth Zone grant to regenerate the city centre.

"He was back in Bradford and at the heart of the community.

"He was very much a person who got along with everybody. He was such a likable person."

Matthew is pictured on the right (Image: UGC)

Mrs Parker also talked about how her son was involved with charities, getting people to donate to foodbanks and helping the homeless and those who are less fortunate.

"If he could help you in any way and it was within his reach, he would do it," she said.

Mrs Parker said Matthew's next challenge took him to Aberdeenshire, where he became a fundraiser for Braemar Castle and was charged with helping to renovate the historical building.

His final role in the business sector was with Manchester AKT, where he supported young people and the homeless across the north of England.

During the pandemic he lived in Manchester, where he bought and restored canal boats for a living.

Mrs Parker said: "Matthew always had a project, was fighting for a cause or advocating something. He had a wide and diverse circle of friends.

"Matthew spent his last six months living with me at home in East Morton. We spent a lot of quality time together, going out for meals or going on walks with his lovely little dog Stanley." 

Matthew's sister Sophie also paid tribute, saying: "My brother has accomplished lots in his life and supported lots of charities across the UK and we are immensely proud of him for his ongoing commitment to charity and helping others.

"We will miss him endlessly as will the organisations he worked so hard for. Matthew was loved beyond words can express."

Matthew's funeral will be at 10.10am on Thursday, February 2, at Nab Wood Crematorium. It will be followed by a wake.

There will be family flowers but everyone is welcome to make a donation which will go to two charities in memory of Matthew.

His mum said: "We would like everyone who made a connection with Matthew to come and celebrate his wonderful life."

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