THE funeral of a man who died moments after stopping the van he was driving his family in was due to take place today.
Stephen Astin, 40, of Granville Road, Accrington, died 10 days ago -- just hours after taking part in two motocross races at an event in Whitehaven, Cumbria.
He was hailed a hero by friends who were in the vehicle behind his van as they began to make their way back to Accrington.
Mr Astin, a self-employed joiner, pulled his van over after suffering breathing difficulties while behind the wheel. He collapsed at the roadside and despite the efforts of three different doctors, was pronounced dead at a local hospital later.
An inquest has been open by West Cumbria coroner John Taylor, and has been adjourned to a date to be fixed.
The funeral was due to be held at 11am at Accrington crematorium.
He leaves behind four children: Sam, 13; Jasmin, 11; Ciaran, seven; and Matthew, five as well as mother Marion. He was engaged to his partner of seven years, Janice Berry.
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