TRIBUTES have been paid to a 28-year-old primary school teacher who died shortly after being diagnosed with a heart condition.
The family of Nick Robinson, of Highgate, Cleethorpes, have described him as an "easy-going man who enjoyed caring for others."
Nick passed away at Castle Hill Hospital, in Hull, on Saturday, November 10, after suffering an aortic aneurysm.
Unbeknown to his family, Nick was born with a faulty aorta – the main artery supplying blood from the heart to the rest of the body – which swelled to three times its normal size after he contracted a bacterial infection earlier this year.
On September 19, he was admitted to Grimsby's Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital where he stayed for six weeks on antibiotics.
He was later transferred to Hull for a pre-planned operation but due to medical reasons it could not go ahead.
Nick's wife, Lea Robinson, says she has been overwhelmed by the amount of support she has received since the death of her husband.
The 40-year-old said: "He was well thought of by so many people, I have at least 60 cards from people sending their condolences.
"Nick just loved life, he always remained positive even through his short illness.
"We were married for three years and have a daughter together, Florence, 2.
"I have four other children from a previous relationship but Nick loved each one as though they were his own.
"Family was very close to his heart."
Lea continued to describe him as a "big softie" who would "lend a helping hand to anyone in need."
In May this year, after leaving his teaching post at Grimsby's Macaulay Primary School due to illness, Nick began volunteering for Dial-A-Ride, transporting elderly people around the borough.
Lea added: "He loved being able to help someone in need, it was in his nature.
"Family days out were one of our favourite pastimes together, we enjoyed many trips to Cornwall and just this year we visited Flamingo Land.
"I will miss him enormously, but I want to celebrate his life so attire at the funeral has to be bright."
During the ceremony the song Better, by Boyzone, will be played – a request from Nick before he died as it was played at his wedding.
His mum Val Robinson, 62 and dad Peter Robinson, 62, believe their son found his soul mate in Lea.
Val said: "From the moment he met her he was besotted.
"Nick was our only child, we will miss him dearly and will remember the many great things about him."
The funeral of Nick Robinson will take place at St Peter's Church, St Peter's Avenue, Cleethorpes, tomorrow at 1.30pm.
It will be followed by a burial at Cleethorpes Cemetery.
If desired, people are asked to donate money in his memory to Dial-A-Ride, in Humber Street, Grimsby.
