The family of a man described as a ‘gentle giant with a heart of gold’ have paid tribute after he collapsed and died whilst out for a daily run alongside Pembroke’s Mill Pond last week.

Emergency services were called to the scene in Pembroke at around 10.30 am on Tuesday (June 25) after forty-nine-year-old David Butland collapsed.

Paramedics from the Welsh Ambulance Service attended to Mr. Butland along with bystanders who tried to help. A Wales Air Ambulance helicopter was also called to the scene.

It was later discovered that Mr. Butland had suffered a severe heart attack.

His family have now set up a fundraising page to raise money for the Wales Air Ambulance charity in David’s honour describing him as a ‘very special man’.

“We would like to thank the efforts of all the medical teams present and the couple that helped him before they arrived. We are very grateful that he wasn’t alone,” said a post on the fundraising page.

“Most off you will know him from spending time up town, helping people with the shopping and most recently from running and cycling.

“He was a very outdoorsy, loving person as well as a comedian at heart. Gentle giant with a heart of gold and would help anyone in need.”

David’s funeral will be held at Parc Gwyn Crematorium on Tuesday (July 9) at 2.30 pm followed by a gathering at 4 pm in Lamphey Village Hall, for tea/coffee and cake.

The fundraising page in aid of the Wales Air Ambulance can be found at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-memory-of-david-butland