THE death of an East Lancashire man has saved the life of a a person from Yorkshire after relatives agreed for his liver to be donated.

Stunned relatives are struggling to come to terms with the sudden death of 41-year-old Ian Watson.

The mother of the well-known Hyndburn man said her son had never been ill in his life before he collapsed with a brain haemorrhage two weeks ago.

He died on November 9 at the Royal Preston Hospital, leaving a six-year-old son, Lee.

Ian's parents Jack and Peggy, of Lancaster Avenue, Accrington, said that their son had showed no signs of illness before the tragedy.

Jack said: "We had all been on holiday to Spain just three weeks before and had a wonderful time.

"It seemed there was nothing wrong with him at all. This came absolutely out of the blue."

Ian, who operated a fork lift truck at William Blythe's Ltd, Church, had planned to go to a party with his partner Liz on the evening of October 29 but instead decided to have an early night at home. She found him collapsed on the bedroom floor at his home in Stanley Street, Oswaldtwistle, when she returned.

He was taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary, then transferred to the Royal Preston Hospital.

He was able to speak with relatives until his condition deteriorated a week later.

His funeral was being held today at the Accrington Crematorium, Burnley Road.

Ian was brought up in Lower Antley Street, Accrington, and attended St Christopher's High School.

He enjoyed fishing, swimming and regularly played darts in pub competitions.

His mother Peggy said: "Ian was very sociable and will be sorely missed by so many, many people.

"He was such a strong, healthy man. At the moment we all think it's a bad dream. We simply can't believe he's gone"

Relatives agreed that Ian's organs should be donated.

His liver saved the life of a person in Leeds, with whom it was found to be a perfect match.

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