The family of former Bradford Town striker Mark Robinson have vowed not to let his sudden death stop their son Mark’s wedding in a fortnight.

The 50-year-old suffered a heart attack early last Wednesday morning while out walking his dog Colin in Widbrook Woods.

The dog was found straying by the riverside by another dog walker, and Mr Robinson was later found collapsed after a search.

His wife Elaine, who rushed to join the hunt only to find paramedics working to save her husband, said: “He used to go out walking the dog every morning.

“One of the dog-walkers brought the dog back, I went out looking but then had to come home to take Lauren to school.

“I went back and saw the emergency services there – I didn’t know it was Mark until the police told me.

“They kept me back, I think he was long gone. He was fine that morning, he got up and said goodbye as normal.

“I’ve been totally overwhelmed by the response from everybody, my dining room table is full of flowers and cards.

“It’s amazing that he was so well liked.

“He would do something for anybody, nothing was too much trouble.

“Our son Mark is due to marry his fiancé Abby which is definitely still going ahead – we want to make it a family celebration.

“We’re going to go ahead because he would have wanted that.”

Mr Robinson was due to be his son’s best man for the ceremony at Bathwick Farm.

The role will now be taken by his best friend Andy White, with whom he used to run a butchers business.

Born and bred in the town the father-of-three, who is also dad to Leigh and Lauren, and has two grandchildren, Jack and Teddy, had worked as a butcher and milkman before starting his current job as a bathroom fitter.

He played for Bradford Town Football Club for 10 years. Club chairman Les Stevens said: “He was a super bloke, really nice guy.

“You could go anywhere in the town and everybody knew Robbo, there was never a dull moment with him around, he was a real character and a great practical joker.

“It’s a big loss to the club, and to a lot of people in Bradford on Avon.”

Manager of Cumberwell Park Golf Club Ali James, where Mr Robinson played every Sunday morning, said: “He was a decent golfer and a regular in club competitions. He will be sorely missed.”

His funeral will take place on Wednesday, at West Wiltshire Crematorium at 10.45am.