TRIBUTES have poured in for an “amazing” Basildon man who died suddenly.

Phillip Fairhurst visited his doctor six days before he died, after suffering difficulty breathing.

Just five days later, Phillip, known to friends and family as Phil, was rushed to hospital after his breathing got considerably worse.

It was then discovered he was suffering from pneumonia.

Phillip’s heart stopped and he was put on a life support machine, but sadly, the rest of his organs began to fail.

The popular binman sadly died on Sunday, December 22, aged 69.

Phillip’s daughter, Amanda, 37, said: “My dad was quite fit and healthy for his age and still worked, so it was a real shock.

“He went to the pub a couple of times a week and was in a pool team. He came on holidays with us and the children.

“Dad was always the life and soul of the party and had loads of friends.

“He was an amazing dad and grandad; so loving and caring he would do anything for us.”

Amanda’s son, Callum, 18, added: “My grandad was an amazing man and a massive influence on me and my life.

“I’ll always remember his pure heart and selfless ways.

“If I had to choose a favourite memory with him it was our big family holiday together to Spain because we were all together and happy, and I know that’s all he ever wanted.”

Phillip’s son, Phil, 41, also paid tribute too, he said: “My dad was a great man. Loving, caring and protective.

“Everything he did was for me, my sister and his grandchildren.

“He was truly one in a million and will be missed everyday but will live on in our hearts.”

Bert Butler, who played pool with Phillip, also gave a heartfelt tribute to his team captain, who he had been pals with for 40 years.

He said: “I’ve known Phil for 40 years, we met at work and became best mates and started a pool team which is still going strong now.

“He was our captain and the pool team became good mates spending many holidays together.

“The pool team - Beanos were the best, so many great memories.

He said: “We will never forget him and as a tribute we have renamed the pool team Phil Two Shots.

“We will all miss him dearly.”

Phillip’s funeral will take place on Friday at Pitsea Crematorium, at 1.30pm.