TRIBUTES have been paid to a dad-of-two and sepsis survivor who died last week.

Stuart Lanham, from Parr, was just a "normal bloke" in 2014 when he started feeling pain in his arm.

His children urged him to go to hospital but he refused thinking he would be OK.

However he had sepsis which in a matter of weeks claimed his sight and his left arm above his elbow.

After recovering, he started raising awareness for the UK Sepsis Trust and raised funds as part of Saints Community Foundation Trust to offer guide dogs for the blind.

Despite all he had been through, on Friday, his wife Janine made the announcement that Stuart had passed away from a viral infection.

She said: "Today we lost our amazing Stuart Lanham taken from us so quickly from a viral infection, after everything he has fought in his too short life this was totally unexpected and cruel.

"Me and our girls are devastated and we are going to find this time so difficult.

"My husband, best friend and the most wonderful dad to our strong and amazing girls.

"Stuart gave me and our girls the most amazing life which we will strive to live how he did with much kindness, friendship, bravery and humour.

"Our little family are truly heartbroken and so we can grieve will be coming off social media for a little while much love to all his friends."

Tributes to Stuart have poured in since this devastating news.

Saints paid tribute to Stuart on their website, they said: "We regret to inform you that our much beloved Ambassador for the Blind and those affected by Sepsis, Stuart Lanham, has passed away.

"Stuart played a vital role within our very own communities, helping those without sight and especially those effected by Sepsis. In addition to this, Stuart played a big part in raising funds to purchase guide dogs so that local members of our community could benefit and be assisted in their day to day lives.

Saints Community Development Foundation would like to send their thoughts and prayers to Stuart’s family and close friends. He was a loving dad, husband and will be greatly missed by all around him."

Steve Leonard, the director of Saints Community Development Foundation added: "We were devastated to hear the news that Stuart had passed away and are thinking of all his family at this time.

"We will continue our work with the Guide dogs and sepsis awareness in his name to continue to make a difference in our own community."

Andy Reid, an army veteran who is also a triple amputee said: "Rest in peace Stuart Lanham you was a real friend and inspiration to me and will be missed very much. My thoughts are with your family mate."