A heartbroken family has paid tribute to their "amazing" dad-of-three who died while taking part in a charity bike race last weekend.
David Cooper, from Battersea, was marking his 24th London to Brighton Bike Ride alongside 10 of his family members when he suffered a "medical emergency".
The 69-year-old sadly died during the British Heart Foundation (BHF) event, of which he was a staunch supporter after undergoing major heart surgery in 1998.
David's daughter, Louisa Necib, said her family has been left "devastated" by their loss.
She 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 BHF and other charities and doing what he could for other people.
"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."
Ahead of the race, David launched a GoFundMe for the British Heart Foundation, saying "they saved his life" 25 years ago.
The page has raised £295 of its £300 goal at the time of writing.
The grandad-of-six wrote: "Those that don’t know, research done by the British Heart foundation probably saved my life in 1998, when I had to have major heart surgery.
"Because of this I have taken part in this fantastic event almost every year since 2000."
He added: "If you can, please sponsor me for this fantastic cause. Thank you."
The charity bike ride is the oldest in Europe and sees thousands take part in the 54-mile route from the capital to the beach, raising vital funds for lifesaving research.
Dr Charmaine Griffiths, Chief Executive of the BHF, paid tribute to the "huge difference" that David made during his 24 years supporting the charity.
She 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 previously confirmed that they are investigating the death, which is understood to have been caused by a medical emergency.
A force spokesman said: "Officers were called at 9.56 this morning by the South East Coast Ambulance service whose crews 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.
"The cyclist, a man aged in his 60, sadly died at the scene. His next of kin have been informed.
"Road closures were put in place and Event Marshalls redirected the route for remaining cyclists. The road closures have since been lifted and all roads are open.
"We are appealing for any witnesses to this incident to come forward to help our investigation into the circumstances."
You can donate to the fundraiser set up by David here.
