A GRIEVING widow has paid tribute to her "gentle and caring" husband who died suddenly on holiday.

Neil Anthony Boston, 38, suffered a blood clot on December 27 at an aunt's home in Stevenage, Hertfordshire.

He collapsed and failed to regain consciousness, despite attempts by paramedics and doctors to save him.

His wife, Linda, 32, of Hindle Street, Darwen, said: "We had been married for nine years and he had a heart of gold.

"Others always came first with him and he never lost his temper.

"His death has come as a big shock to the whole family and he will be sadly missed."

Neil's main hobby was cooking.

He worked as a fork lift truck driver at Darwen-based Woodside Products since leaving school, and he travelled to Liverpool each day when the company relocated.

The funeral service and cremation will take place on Friday at Pleasington, Blackburn, at noon.

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