GRIEVING family members have paid tribute to popular Swindon labourer and “free spirit” Matty Collard, who died suddenly last month.

Matty’s devastated sister, Maureen, 52, said the 'big-hearted' 42-year-old, who died on August 22, would be sorely missed by his friends and family.

“He had a sparkle about him and he just loved new experiences, meeting new people and being spontaneous. All of us are in shock about it," she said.

“He was a free spirit in every sense of the word.

"He hated being cooped up indoors, he always wanted to be out having new experiences, sometimes he’d just jump on the train to Weston or Weymouth, he loved that.

“He was always interested in meeting new people, he was a great laugh, he loved his music, and loved animals."

Big sister Maureen, nicknamed Momo by father-of-one Matty, recalled fond memories of growing up in Cricklade Road with siblings Dean and Alan and parents Julie and Grahame.

“He was a cheeky and mischievous little boy, he always had so many friends. He was the cheekiest little boy you could ever imagine growing up. Playing games and running about, he always had so much energy," Maureen said.

“My special memories are the private chats we had when it was just the two of us and we could catch up on everything."

The former Gorse Hill School student was known for his love of dancing, music festivals and the great outdoors, which he combined with fatherhood to 21-year-old daughter, Indya.

Matty’s partner of 24 years, Donna Jefferies, 50, said the ex-roofer had a kind heart and was devoted to his daughter.

“As soon as Indya was born he was completely in love with her. He was so young but he was a complete natural at fatherhood,” she said.

“He would have dancing competitions with her in the living room and that was when he was at his happiest.”

Donna said 'selfless' Matty’s biggest passion was music with his favourite acts including Pink Floyd, the Doors and Jennifer Rush, who sang the couple’s favourite song, The Power Of Love.

She said: “We had our ups and downs like any couple but we loved each other very much and we always supported one another.

“He’d do anything for anyone, if you called him he would be there straightaway, he was a good friend to everyone, he was so generous and selfless if it made people happy.

“He was such a gentle man, he would always rescue animals, a bird with a broken wing, a mouse, a pigeon, it didn’t matter because he would help anyone or anything.”

Since Matty’s death floral tributes and cans have flooded a bench outside St Barnabas Church in Gorse Hill, near to his childhood home in Cricklade Road.