A LOVING son has spoken of the heartbreak after his dad died part-way into a marathon.

Keen athlete Ian Casey, of Layburn Avenue, Royton, was in the peak of health when he collapsed 15-miles into a marathon in Gloucester on January 25.

It is believed the 45-year-old Latics’ fan, who worked as a foreman at George Hill timber yeard, suffered heart failure.

The news stunned his children and colleagues, as Ian was highly fit and regularly competed with the Royton Road Runners and as a member of Royton Bluefins endurance swimming team.

His 20-year-old son Jason, a student at Lancaster University, said: "It is a huge shock – words can’t describe what we’re going through. It was completely out of the blue as dad was fit and healthy. I just keep expecting to see him."

Jason and his sister Claire, 22, who works at Didsbury Hospital, lost their mother Debra to breast cancer in April 2005. Their father pulled them through.

"He was a family man," said Jason. "He was the most unselfish person who always put everyone else first. He was really happy, really funny, always having a laugh and always living life.  Since mum died he did everything. He rededicated his life and became our everything.  He was always the disciplinarian but he became the one who put an arm round us, and nobody could have done it better. He was just an amazing man, so well-mannered and polite. If they were out running and it was raining he’d be the one splashing puddles and trying to keep spirits up."

Jason said that the family did have a history with heart problems, but added: "Dad used to go to the doctor’s for checks. He watched what he ate and stayed healthy."

Bryan Lawton, chairman of Royton Road Runners, said: "Ian was a very active and popular member of the club. Another club runner was competing in the event with him and it will take time for everyone to overcome this huge shock. It’s absolutely devastating."

As a mark of respect all the runners in the club’s first race of the season wore black ribbons at the weekend. The club is currently exploring other ways in which it can recognise Ian’s contribution to the team on a permanent basis.

Friend George Meynell, of the Royton Bluefins, added: "We’re devastated. He was a top man and would always be here with his Latics’ shorts and his bobble hat to make everyone laugh. It’s a tragedy."

Ian’s funeral was to be held at St Paul’s, Royton on Wednesday.