A FAMILY has paid tribute to the “world’s best dad” and devoted Middlesbrough fan after his tragic sudden death.

Karl Gregg, from Middleton St George, died in his sleep earlier this month just hours after spending cherished family time with his loved ones.

Now, youngest son Micah, 22, is determined for his father’s legacy to live long in the memory by collecting as many Middlesbrough FC shirts to create a “sea of red” in his honour.

Micah said: “He was the world's best dad - he was my hero and my role model. He had the best sense of humour and was always smiling.

“I am determined to make my dad's memory known by as many people as possible. He was the world's biggest Middlesbrough Football Club supporter.

The Northern Echo: Boro mad Karl Gregg died suddenly, aged 52. Picture: Micah GreggBoro mad Karl Gregg died suddenly, aged 52. Picture: Micah Gregg

Read more: Darlington says goodbye to James Charlton at poignant funeral service

“We never had a great deal of money, but I would always save up and buy him the previous football season football top which he wore with pride.

“We are trying to get as many Boro shirts to create such a bright, sea of red to honour my dad the way he would have wanted.

“He was such an awesome dad, and he deserves the best send off.”

The “well loved” 52-year-old was described as a “bright star in any one’s life who crossed paths” and his legacy, kindness and soul lives on among his sons Micah, Joshua and Jacob.

The Northern Echo: Left to right: daughter-in-law Alex, son Jacob, Micah, Karl and then ex-wife Alexandra. Picture: Micah Gregg Left to right: daughter-in-law Alex, son Jacob, Micah, Karl and then ex-wife Alexandra. Picture: Micah Gregg

Recalling their cherished time together, Micah said: “The years he would pick me and my brother up from the train station with such glee, pure happiness and a deep love in his eyes I am comforted knowing he has been greeted with the same adoration by those we lost just the way he would always receive us, his children.”

Mr Gregg’s sudden death has rocked the whole family who have set up an online fundraiser with the money due to go to his two chosen charities – St Teresa’s Hospice and Autism Dogs CIC.

Micah added: “He had a connection with both as I am autistic and have an autism dog called Wispa who changed my life and St Teresa's worked so well and incredibly when my grandmother, Karl's mother, passed of cancer. 

For Middlesbrough FC shirt donations people can email Micah at: MicahharrisW61.62XD@gmail.com while donations to the two charities can be made at: https://gofund.me/2a7ab8c5.

The Northern Echo: Left to right: Micah, Jacob, Karl and Josh. Picture: Micah GreggLeft to right: Micah, Jacob, Karl and Josh. Picture: Micah Gregg

Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

You can also follow our dedicated Darlington Facebook page for all the latest in the area by clicking here.

For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.

Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054