A mother has paid an emotional tribute to her son who she has described as a "one off" and "beautiful soul" after he sadly passed away suddenly in Paris.
Tributes have poured in for Simon Wilson, a keen "sportsman and adventurer" from St Dogmaels who died unexpectedly in the "city he loved".
The 36-year-old had moved to Amsterdam ten years ago and recently returned home three weeks ago to spend time with his family after being apart for two years due to Covid, he has left his friends and family "heartbroken to say goodbye to him"
Read more: Haverfordwest river tragedy: Man died 'trying to rescue others in trouble'
Simon Wilson was in Paris supporting a close friend during the marathon when he tragically and unexpectedly passed away.
His family have paid tribute to their "young man who grew up in a small village" and have been left "touched" by the incredible messages of support and "extremely proud" by all those who loved and knew him.
Simon who had been an avid football fan since the age of 9 had played for his local teams of St Dogmaels FC alongside Cardigan Juniors and Seniors.
St Dogmaels Football Club have paid their respects to their former player and extended their love and support to his family at this difficult time.
An avid Welsh football and Swansea City fan, his mother described Simon as a "great sportsman" who tried his hand at everything from cycling to snowboarding.
Messages of love and support have flooded a Crowdfunder raising money to cover the financial memorial costs for the family.
His mother has said the family have been left "extremely proud" to know he was adored by so many people.
The 36 year old leaves behind his father Pete, sister Melanie and mother Sue.
"Whoever he met, he left a lasting impression on and from his time spent in Amsterdam there have been so many messages from the country offering their love and support
"People all over the world are devastated by the news but the joy he has left behind the the memories he has helped make have helped immensely with our families grief at this time
"He will never be forgotten and we alongside his friends will cherish his memory."
"It is unfair to say goodbye to someone so unique," she said.
Having returned home three weeks ago to visit his family for the first time in two years, his mother said the news of his passing had left them "devastated and shocked".
His mother said he was already planning his next move to another country and already learning another language after becoming fluent in Dutch.
Simon had been working in Amsterdam as a tour guide and later launching his own travel business that had become successful during his time in the country.
"He lived life to the absolute full and made friends all around the world who have all offered us their support in this difficult time, he always left people smiling and put others before himself
"He was a huge character, I just wish more people could have met him" she said.
Get stories like this straight to your inbox with our newsletters.
