Tributes paid to Plymouth army veteran after his death from a brain tumour

Credit: Plymouth live

Tributes have been paid to an "amazing" Plymouth army veteran and "devoted" husband and father-of-two who has tragically died from a brain tumour.

Andy Ford, known by those close to him as 'Diesel', served in The Royal Tank Regiment during back to-back tours of Northern Ireland, Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Andy Ford's family say his courage, bravery and strength inspired all and they will particularly miss his Credit: Plymouth Live

Friends described the 41-year-old as someone "you could always count on" and as a supportive and highly-respected ex-staff sergeant and gunnery instructor.

Andy had been battling a brain tumour for much of the last eight years. Sadly he lost his battle on May 1.

His funeral will be held at Weston Mill Crematorium at 11am on May 22, and the family hope Andy's friends and former squaddies will visit the grounds outside the crematorium to pay their respects.

Andy was very well liked, not just in his regiment, but in other regiments his colleagues say. Credit: Plymouth live

Bonnie and her children say they have been "overwhelmed" by the love and support they have received from Andy's friends and the wider community.

Bonnie added she was also incredibly grateful to the "brilliant" staff at St Luke's Hospice who supported Andy and looked after the whole family in his final weeks.

An online fundraising page has been set up to raise funds for St Luke's in Andy's memory.

You can donate to the fundraiserhere