TRIBUTES have been paid to a Lancashire man who was the ‘happiest, most loving and kindest person you will ever meet’.

Stevie Power died at the Royal Preston Hospital on Saturday after suffering heart failure brought on by coronavirus.

His sister Sharon had cared for him since 2013 and he died in her arms.

She said: “Stevie loved music and dancing.

“Stevie Wonder's I Just Called To Say I Love You and Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond were his favourites.

“He enjoyed working at Fox’s Deli in Blackburn which is a family run business, he would fill up the fridges and enjoyed talking to all of the customers. They all knew him.

“Stevie just loved life and will be missed profusely by not only our family but friends and people who knew him.

“He touched many lives over the years and is leaving us all in heartbreak.

“He was an absolute legend.”

Stevie moved in with his sister Sharon in 2013 when their mum passed away and took over the care of Stevie to give him a stable home.

Sharon added: “Stevie attended Shine which is a support group for adults with learning disabilities.

“He loves all of his friends from Shine and many other support groups including Mowbray Lodge, Accrington Road and Hopwood Court.”

The Blackburn Rovers fan had a season ticket until two and a half years ago when he fought with kidney problems.

Sharon added: “We nearly lost him but thankfully we got a couple more years with him thanks to the amazing doctors and nurses especially Dr Lauren Floyd.

“She understood Stevie’s learning disability and along with other doctors went the extra mile to ensure she could save his life.

“He touched a lot of hearts within Preston Hospital during his time on renal ward ward 20 and dialysis unit. He also built bonds with patient transport during his fight. Dougie and Tina his brother and sister supported me.”

Tributes also appeared on community group Shad Chefs Facebook page.

A spokesman said: “Stevie was well-known in Shadsworth. Especially from the times of the Spar and neighbourhood centre days.”