'I've lost my best friend and soulmate': Wife pays tribute to popular Wakefield landlord who died on holiday abroad

Colin had a 'wicked sense of humour' according to his wife, Rachel.

Colin England suffered a heart attack while on holiday in the resort of Icmeler in early January and was rushed to hospital.

After undergoing an operation to put a stent into his heart, the 55-year-old seemed to be improving and began the slow road to recovery.

However, he sadly passed away on the morning of Monday, January 25 from chronic heart failure.

Colin in hospital in Turkey. He had begun recovering from the initial heart attack.

His devastated wife Rachel, with whom he had been together with for 10 years, said: "The shock was enormous as he seemed perfectly healthy. I am absolutely broken I have lost my best friend and soulmate he was my everything and I will miss him for the rest of my life.

"Colin had a larger-than-life personality he had a zest for life and lived life to the full. He loved the horses and was happiest in the pub with all his friends with the Bet365 in hand and the racing on the TV.

"He was well loved and respected by all who knew him. He was a like a celebrity, no matter where we went someone knew him. He had a wicked sense of humour and the banter usually got quite loud he was the life and soul of the party."

Over the years he has managed The Strafford Arms on Wakefield's Bullring, The Jolly Miller in Kettlethorpe, The Raven in Wakefield city centre, Alfred Moodies and The Cock and Bottle in Ossett.

After suffering his heart attack, Rachel put out an appeal on Facebook to raise money to help pay for his treatment after it was found his health insurance did not cover the cost.

Thousands of pounds has been raised so far with huge numbers of friends and well wishers contributing and paying tribute to Colin, who has three grown-up children and two step children.

The final hospital bill came to £12,000. People can still donate by clicking here."I have been overwhelmed with the donations and kindness from everyone it has gone a long way in helping me pay some of the hospital bill as our insurance would not pay out," added Rachel.

"I've been undated with text and comments - I cant believe the effect it has had in Wakefield.

"It's been really difficult on his family as I decided to bury him in his beloved Icmeler but they have been 100 per cent supportive."