A dad-of-two died after suffering a cardiac arrest playing football at the age of just 39.
Roger Izzard collapsed during a Man v Fat football match in Northampton on Tuesday October 20.
He was rushed to Northampton General Hospital after his heart stopped for 20 minutes and he had to be resuscitated.
He was placed in an induced coma after the incident at Goals football ground, reports Northants Live.
The Wellingborough dad's life support machine was eventually switched off last Thursday, as he was surrounded by loved ones.
'Man v Fat' is a football league for men with a BMI higher of 27.50, who are aiming to lose weight and get fitter.
His family described him as an "incredible" man and an "amazing dad".
Friends and teammates have now launched a fundraising page to help support his widow Becky, 35, and their two little children Bethany, eight, and Archie, four.
Becky said: "I just wanted to say a huge heartfelt thank you to everyone who has helped, supported, sent messages, phone calls, sent cards, flowers, gifts for the kids.
"We are all very overwhelmed by everyone's kindness since Roger's devastatingly heartbreaking passing.
"I am truly blown away by all the support and can't thank you enough.
"Rog was an incredible husband, my best friend, my rock and our children's amazing Daddy. We miss him more than words could ever say."
Roger worked with his father Chris, 64, as a telecoms consultant and spent the last 13 months employed by an
Icelandic mobile phone operator.
Chris, who lives in Hatfield, Hertfordshire, with his wife Margaret, 68, said: "Becky told me that on Sunday my grandson Archie said he had counted all his pennies up to buy Daddy some batteries to help him get better.
"It was a four-year-old's beautiful logic. I hope that sometime soon we can all laugh at that but, at the moment, it reduced us all to tears.
"Roger was always quiet and not sure of himself as a child. He was like his granddad in that he spoke when he had something to say and it was always best to listen.
"As Roger's mum and dad, we are so proud of what he achieved in his 39 years. Roger was never rich in terms of money but his family made him a multi-billionaire.
"These memories and a zillion more will never really make it easier to accept this loss but we are so proud and love him and his family so much.
"Roger was worried about friends as a young boy but the response from his Man v Food mates, football mates, school mates, workmates, and others is bloody amazing.
"He was a great husband, father, brother, son and a good friend to so many people."
Roger grew up in Tottenham, north London, with the family later buying a pub in Hertfordshire where they would relocate.
He was appointed manager of the bar and would "keep the peace" with his beloved pet Bull mastiff, Sherru, before joining his father's consultancy business.
A visit to Iceland last December was a career highlight as he "complained of being hot for the first time in his life" during a Bombogenesis storm in Reykjavík.
He took up Man v Fat football in a bid to lose weight with the support of like-minded men.
Chris added: "I remember one day Roger was crying to his mum saying he was ugly and fat and nobody would want him as a boyfriend.
"Roger was very wrong. Becky became his girlfriend and then his wife, making a great team.
"This great Izzard team produced replicas in Bethany and Archie with all the best bits from their mum and dad.
"My message to all parents is to always be available and do not take life for granted. Let your kids know how much you love them as we
cannot turn back the clock of life.
"I look back at Roger’s 39 years and despite the very many things we all did together, I worry I should have done more.
"As a family, we would like to thank the incredible number of people who are giving to help Becky, Bethany and Archie."
You can donate to the fundraiser here.
