Tributes have been made to a “full of life” Nottinghamshire care worker who dedicated his life to looking after others.

The family of Jeremy Dignum, who worked in the care sector for more than 30 years, praised his “dedication” to both his job and his loved ones.

Mr Dignum, who lived in Carlton, passed away aged 49 on June 19 after a short illness.

His partner of 11 years, John Attenborough, described him as an “all round family guy”.

“He was a guy completely dedicated to care and completely dedicated to his job,” said the 52-year-old.

“He spent his whole life in it. It was a long career but not a long life. He was a son, uncle, nephew, my partner and just a great, caring and lovely guy.

“Apart from the fact that that was his career he was a very caring and deep person who you could always turn to in crisis. He was very calm and he always knew what to do.”

Mr Dignum began in care at 18 years old, working for Nottinghamshire County Council for a number of years and becoming the manager of Leawood Manor care home.

Following the takeover of Runwood Homes, he became regional manager for Nottingham, Warwickshire and South Yorkshire.

He then went on to become manager of Alder House Care Home, Nuthall, before taking charge of Kingfisher Court in Sutton-in-Ashfield, where he pulled the home out of special measures.

Mr Dignum ended his career at Harrier House, Hucknall.

His niece, Kirsty Dignum, said he was “like a father” to her.

“He was really really close to me and my brother,” she said.

“He played a big part in our lives growing up. He was so caring, full of life, funny, and had an amazing sense of humour.

“He loved a good practical joke - he would put pegs on our clothes as we were leaving the house to go shopping, so we’d be walking around all day with pegs on.

“He also leaves behind his mother, Christine, brother, Andrew, uncle Dennis and nephews and niece, Sean, Kym, Teddy, Laura Daisy and Jed.”

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