MOVING tributes were last night paid to a young father-of-four who was struck down by a heart attack just before a family camping trip with his beloved wife and children.

MOVING tributes were last night paid to a young father-of-four who was struck down by a heart attack just before a family camping trip with his beloved wife and children.

Quick-thinking passers-by desperately tried to revive well-known Suffolk businessman Jamie Makcrow, 38, who collapsed unexpectedly whilst babysitting at home in Lakenheath, but nothing could be done to save the devoted family man.

His heart-broken sister, Denice Thompson, said he was known for his passion for all things connected with engineering and avidly followed car and motorcycle racing.

She said her brother, who died on August 17, ran his own business, was involved in the building trade and was devoted to his family.

"He was a loving father who adored his wife and children," she said. "He was a hard worker and he would turn his hand to anything.

"He would help absolutely anyone and on one occasion he made costumes for a school project.

"He had lots of friends - the church was absolutely full (for his funeral) and there were friends there we didn't even know he had, he worked for a lot of people but he was always there for you.

"I've got memories from when we where kids, he used to go on motor bike rides with our eldest brother and they would go racing together.

"Since Jamie and his wife Sarah had children they would do a lot together including trips to Hunstanton.

"The weekend before he died they were planning to go camping - they were a very active family.

"His death has come as a shock - he wasn't ill and despite two passers-by trying to resuscitate him they couldn't help.

"He was a thoughtful person. One old lady in the village said to me that he had put a delivery of gravel in the wrong place so he went back with a shovel and moved it.

"He was like that. He would help out just about anyone and just get on with it. It is particularly hard for Sarah because they have been together since their teens.

"Everyone had their own view of him and he seems to have been loved and respected by a lot of people."

Steve Dixon, a friend and work colleague of four years said of Mr Makcrow: "He was great, he was good fun - always happy, always having a laugh, he was the best bloke in the world.

"I will always remember him laughing and joking to and from jobs, he was never moody but always happy and a good friend. He was a best friend and we will miss him to bits."

At his funeral service, at Risby Crematorium on August 30, a moving poem written by two friends included the lines: "Let us take today to say our goodbyes, remembering his smile and big blue eyes, so let us forget the sorrow, and remember Jamie with pride, for today and tomorrow he will always be by our side."

Music included some of Mr Makcrow's favourite songs including Sledge Hammer by Peter Gabriel and Unchained Melody by the Righteous Brothers.

Jamie leaves his wife Sarah and four children Nathan, Aaron, Chloe and Shannon.