Tributes are pouring in for a popular Hampshire sportsman who has died aged 34 after a two-year battle with cancer.

Father-of-two Paul Langford, described by friends as a “world class gent”, was a talented fly-half for New Milton Rugby Club.

He was also known as hard-hitting batsman for Milford Cricket Club.

 

Daily Echo:

Paul Langford, centre, in action for New Milton

Paul, who was married with two young daughters, was told in March 2013 that he had just 12 months to live.

But friends say he fought on and continued to defy the odds, showing the same fighting spirit he demonstrated on the pitch.

In a tribute close friend Watcyn Lewis reportedly said: “He took his illness on with the same he displayed when dispatching opposition bowling attacks and with the bravery he showed every time he took to the rugby field.”

After spending one last Christmas with family and friends Paul, pictured in action below, went into Oakhaven Hospice, where he died surrounded by his loved ones.

Daily Echo:

Friends have turned to social media to voice their grief at his untimely death.

Adrian Kendal said: “Rest in peace, Paul. The strongest of us all.”

Charles Willard, using one of Paul's nicknames, added: “RIP Langie. You were the greatest.”

Paul joined Milford Cricket Club and New Milton Rugby Club in the 1990s and became a firm favourite at both grounds.

The rugby club tweeted: “We are sad to announce the death of Paul Langford - far, far too young. Great player, great man, greatly missed.”

Cricket club chairman Chris Walford added: “He really was a super guy. A wonderful person. He was very helpful and a fighter on the field. He was just everything you wanted in a person.”

Paul, of Lymington, worked for British American Tobacco before joining Lime Wood Hotel in Lyndhurst, where he worked in the accounts department.

Mike Rice, chief financial officer for the Lime Wood Group, which owns the hotel, said: “He was one of those guys who everyone liked. He was helpful, friendly and conscientious - the ideal employee.”

Paul's widow Lydia, whom he married in 2010, and their two daughters, Esme, three and one-year-old Elodie, are being comforted by friends.

Dunc Willard, writing on Facebook, said: “We've lost a world class gent.”

Tanya Money added: “Such devastating news. Much love to his family.”