Devoted family man Richard Lawrence, of Devizes, who had recently been given the all-clear after cancer treatment, died of a heart attack while at work.

His shocked family have paid tribute to him, describing him as “one in a million.”

Mr Lawrence, 53, of Longcroft Road, collapsed while working as a self-employed plasterer at a building site in Eastleigh, Hampshire. His brother, Stuart, was working with him and tried to resuscitate him but sadly it was in vain.

Mr Lawrence had diabetes and although he had no symptoms of heart problems the family have been told that the heart attack was due to a condition that was common among people with diabetes.

He had battled illness for the past two years and spent eight weeks in hospital in 2011 due to stomach problems. In April this year he was diagnosed with the beginning of stage four lymphona.

He underwent eight sessions of chemotherapy at the Great Western Hospital, Swindon, and was given the all-clear two months ago.

His partner, Sharon Clark, who he had been with for 12 years, said: “Richard had big plans for the future and he was looking forward to Christmas. He loved Christmas and he enjoyed giving the presents out from under the Christmas tree. He was one in a million.”

His step-daughter, Debbie West, said: “Richard was a family man and had a heart of gold and would do anything for his family. He enjoyed popping down to the Cavalier pub for a couple of beers on a Friday evening and striking up conversations with strangers. ”

Mr Lawrence had two children, Daniel, 22, and Jessica, 18, four step-children Debbie, David, Joanne and Melanie, and seven step-grandchildren Harry, Sophie, Mia, Demi, Leah, Matilda and Charlie.

Mr Lawrence was born and brought up in Burghfield, Berkshire, and was one of five sons.

After leaving school aged 16 he joined the Army and served in the Duke of Edinburgh’s regiment.

He was a corporal and his service included a tour of Northern Ireland.

He loved Army life and won a few awards including for best drill turn- out but his promising career was ended after about six years when he had to leave due to being diagnosed with diabetes. He re-trained as a plasterer.

Mr Lawrence’s funeral service is on Tuesday at West Wiltshire Crematorium, Semington, at 1pm followed by a wake at The Cavalier pub in Devizes.

His family have asked for donations in his memory to go Diabetes UK and the British Heart Foundation c/o John Stuart funeral directors.