Family and friends to say final farewell to Sheffield dad Tom Dudley, 31, at funeral today

Tom Dudley, 31, who lived in Woodseats with his partner Simone and their daughters Lyla, three, and Hallie, aged nine months, died unexpectedly at the Northern General Hospital on May 14.

Tributes poured in for the loving family man and football fan from friends and teammates all over the city.

'They don't make them like Tom anymore' - tributes pour in to much-loved Sheffield dad who died suddenly aged 31

And Tom’s workplace, Pyramid Carpets in Woodseats, closed for a day to mark the passing of the loyal employee who had worked their all his career.

Family and close friends will attend a service to celebrate his life at the crematorium today, and a celebration of his life is planned for a later date.

Numbers inside the crematorium are limited but people have been invited to contact Tom’s family if they wish to view a live stream of the service.

Tom’s family have asked for any donations in his memory to be made to the neonatal ward at the Jessop Wing.

His partner Simone paid tribute to him, saying: "He was just so happy, and he was a real peacekeeper. He really was a gentle giant,” she said.

"I don’t think anyone had a bad word to say about him.”

Sheffield shop to close for the day in memory of ‘gentle giant’ and beloved dad Tom Dudley

And Tom’s family made a moving statement following his death: “Tom was loved by all the family, so many friends and by all those whose lives he touched.

"We will all miss Tom’s lovely smile and the joyous times we shared together.”