Family's shock at death of dad-of-four Matthew, 30

Taxi driver Matthew Pilmore, of Bramley Court died in his sleep at the home of his girlfriend on October 1.

Karen Pilmore, his mother, said: “Matthew had been at the home of his new girlfriend in Jacksdale.

“He went to sleep and didn’t get up.

“They had only been together a few months.

“One of his friends had phoned us to ask if we knew where Matthew was as they had not been able to get in touch with him.

“They reported him as a missing person and called the police. Police broke into the house and found him upstairs in bed. Matthew had passed away in his sleep.

Mrs Pilmore said: “We are all devastated. It has been very hard for us.”

The coroner has been informed and the family say they are waiting for the results of a post-mortem.

Matthew is survived by his children – Rebecca aged eight, six-year-old Josh, Archie, three, and one-year-old Thomas.

Mrs Pilmore said: “Matthew adored every one of his children and he loved his mum and dad, his sister, his niece and nephew.”

She said Matthew, who worked for A Line Taxis in Sutton, was outgoing and loved cars, boxing and football.

She said Matthew’s friends have been mortified by the news.

He and his lifelong friend Gavin Robertson both loved classic cars and Gavin drove his old Ford Capri behind the hearse in tribute at Matthew’s funeral.

Matthew was cremated at Mansfield Crematorium following a packed service in the chapel on October 18.

His funeral was attended by family friends and workmates.

Mrs Pilmore said: “Two of his teachers from the Sutton Centre attended the funeral and said what a lovely lad he was – they had to pay tribute to him.

Mrs Pilmore said she wanted to thank everyone who made donations in lieu of flowers which will be put into a trust fund to help his children.