Tributes have been paid to a grandfather who died while taking part in his 24th London to Brighton Bike Ride.

David Cooper, 69, passed away while taking part in the event this weekend and was described as a “passionate” supporter of organisers the British Heart Foundation.

Now, his family say they are “devastated” at his loss just days before his 70th birthday.

Louisa Necib, David’s daughter, said: “Our dad first took part in the London to Brighton Bike Ride back in 1999 when he began cycling after a quadruple heart bypass.

"He loved taking part every year and it became a real family day out for everyone with more people joining him at every event. This year alone ten members of our family and friends were taking part alongside him.

“Dad was an amazing person who would do anything for anyone. He was a massive Chelsea Football Club fan, he loved his family and loved supporting the British Heart Foundation and other charities and doing what he could for other people.

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"He was just days away from his 70th birthday and we were all due to go on holiday together to celebrate. We are devastated.

“On behalf of our family I would like to thank everyone who came to our dad’s aid. Especially those on the scene and the emergency services. We are so grateful for all your efforts.”

David, from Battersea in London, died at the scene in the Smallfield area of Surrey after police arrived on the scene at 10am on Sunday.

Marshalls re-directed the route for the remaining cyclists in the event.

Dr Charmaine Griffiths, chief executive of the British Heart Foundation, said: “We are devastated by the news of David Cooper’s death while participating in the London to Brighton Bike Ride.

“The event is such a special one and knowing that David rode in every ride since 1999 just shows what an inspirational fundraiser he was. His 24 years of support for the BHF will have made a huge difference to the lives of heart patients across the UK and we are so grateful for his almost quarter century of support.

“It is clear from David’s family what a loving father and grandfather he was and how much they will miss him. Our thoughts are with his heartbroken family at this terrible time.”

Surrey Police have confirmed that the incident is under investigation and are appealing for witnesses to the incident.  A police spokeswoman said: "We are appealing for any witnesses to this incident to come forward to help our investigation into the circumstances.

"Officers were called at 9.56am yesterday morning by South East Coast Ambulance service who were responding to a medical emergency on Redehall Road in Smallfield, involving a cyclist who had been taking part in the London to Brighton cycle ride.

"If you have any information which could help, please contact us quoting PR/45230067249."