A GRANDFATHER who collapsed and died in a Huntingdon street on his way to work has been described as the kindest and most caring man you could ever wish to meet.

A MAN who collapsed and died in a Huntingdon street on his way to work has been described as the kindest and most caring man you could ever wish to meet.

Allan Bicknell, 60, of Eaton Socon, collapsed near the pedestrian crossing outside the Old Bridge Hotel on Huntingdon’s ring road last Monday (August 9) at 7.46am.

Witnesses described seeing Mr Bicknell stagger along the footpath holding his chest and then collapse on to the bonnet of a stationary vehicle at the crossing.

Passers-by rushed to help Mr Bicknell, who was taken by ambulance to Hinchingbrooke Hospital in Huntingdon, where he died an hour later of suspected heart disease.

He leaves widow, Sue, to whom he was married to for 37 years, three children, Mark, Sally and Jane, and four grandchildren.

Heartfelt floral tributes left at the crossing describe Mr Bicknell as a loving husband, father and grandfather.

One tribute reads: “Dad, I still cannot believe what happened, and I will never understand why the kindest and most caring person I have met in my life has been taken away from me so soon. You were a symbol of everything that is good in the world.

“You have been my rock. Thank you for the most amazing childhood.”

Another adds: “My darling Allan. You only gave of yourself and never took. You are the most selfless person anyone could wish for.”

Mr Bicknell was on his way to work when he died. He had parked in Godmanchester and was walking to Marshall Leasing in Orchard Lane, Huntingdon, where he was employed as a maintenance supervisor.

He had worked at the company for 16 years.

His co-workers told The Hunts Post they had seen the emergency vehicles from the office window but had no idea what had happened until they were phoned by the hospital.

Louise Hignett, who works as a fleet administrator and sat opposite Mr Bicknell, said his sudden death had left everyone deeply shocked and saddened.

“He was like a member of our extended family. He was such a lovely man – always smiling and always happy to help. He would liven up our Monday mornings with stories of where he had spent the weekend with his wife. If Allan fancied fish and chips, he would not think twice about driving to Hunstanton – he lived every minute of his life.”

Colleagues said he was fit and healthy and, if the weather was nice, he would spend his lunch break walking, often visiting Godmanchester locks.

Elizabeth Wilson, who works in the accounts department, added: “Allan was a friend as well as a colleague.

He would call clients ‘mate’ and was everyone’s friend. He will be greatly missed.”

Sue Wright, accounts manager said: “He had a heart of gold and was a joy to know. His death was a huge shock and our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.”