A GRANDDAD-of-six who died in a fun run in Leigh has been hailed 'the most caring gentleman anyone could ever meet'.

Neil Rigby, 47, collapsed as he took part in the Wigan and Leigh 5K Colour Run at Pennington Flash Country Park with his wife June on Sunday.

They were planning to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary with a three-week holiday in Egypt in April.

June, 48, said: “Neil was the most amazing man in my life and I have to deal with the sadness of never having him with me again.

“He was the most caring gentleman anyone could ever meet and was always very well liked. People spoke very highly of him.

"Neil was making me and other family members laugh at the start of the race with his dad-dancing.

“At first we ran together hand-in-hand and then we walked.

“Neil went slightly ahead of me and when I caught him up he was on the floor.”

Police were called to the park at around 1.30pm.

An air ambulance and other emergency services were also called but Neil died at the scene.

June added: “Neil was devoted to and loved his two daughters dearly and idolised all our grandchildren."

Sunday's event was won by 27-year-old John Lee, from Leigh.

He is Neil’s daughter Shireen’s partner.

His other daughter Stacey said: "Love you dad. You were the rock of this family. Don't know what we will do without you."

The family is returning to Pennington Flash at 10.30am on Saturday.

A group of family members, including some from Scotland, and friends will go to the place where Neil collapsed on Sunday, which is around 2.8km from the finish line, and walk the rest of the course in honour of him.

June said: "When Neil found out he would be getting a medal at the event he was chuffed.

"I am hoping we can still get one for him when we cross the finish line on Saturday.

"Everyone is welcome to join us."

Neil Dyson, a friend of Neil's who knew him for more than 12 years, said: “Neil was a salt of the earth guy and I have honestly not met many like him.

“He was a super guy.”

Neil was from Wigan and lived with June in Highfield.

He worked at food product supplier Greencore Direct to Store in Warrington.

The fourth annual colour run was held in aid of Wigan and Leigh Hospice and Wigan Warriors Community Foundation.

A spokesman for the hospice said: “We are deeply saddened to confirm the death of a participant in the Wigan and Leigh 5K Colour Run.

"We would like to express our condolences to his family and friends and our thoughts are with them at this time."

A JustGiving page has been set up to raise money for Neil's family.

To make a donation visit bit.ly/2f8mfSo.

A raffle with a range of prizes at Eivissa Hair Salon on Ormskirk Road in Wigan next Sunday, October 1, has also been arranged in aid of the family.

To buy tickets call Stacey Rosser or Natasha Gibson on 01942 665565.