A close colleague of an NHS worker that was 'everyone's friend' has paid tribute after he passed away aged 56.

The NHS family have been mourning the loss of Colin Farenden - a familiar face in west Hertfordshire - after he died earlier this month.

The married father-of-three passed away from bronchopneumonia at a London hospital on April 9 and he will be missed by so many.

Most recently, Mr Farenden worked within the cancer unit at St Albans City hospital, and previously, he had worked as a porter at Hemel Hempstead hospital, among other roles as an employee for the NHS.

Sarah-Jayne Lawson says she knew Mr Farenden for around 20 years and she has created a fundraising page to help support support his wife and three young children.

Ms Lawson, a district nurse based in Hemel Hempstead, said: "Colin was everyone's friend. He would do anything for anyone. For us and our NHS family, he would host yearly reunions and keep us all together even if people moved on.

"We want to show his boys how much their dad was loved. This is what Colin would have done for someone else. We are an NHS family and we'll look after them."

Colin Farenden has died aged 56.

Colin Farenden has died aged 56.

Ms Lawson revealed that Mr Farenden was a huge Watford supporter and that he had a huge love for the beautiful game.

She said: "He's been a Watford fan since I've known him. They were a huge part of his life and he enjoyed the camaraderie football created.

"He was excited about this season and if Watford return to the Premier League, I know he will be smiling down on the players."

Watford will seal an immediate return to the top flight if they beat Millwall at Vicarage Road this afternoon.

Colin pictured at a party celebrating Watford FC success. He is pictured with his best friend called Ronnie, who passed away 17 years ago.

Colin pictured at a party celebrating Watford FC success. He is pictured with his best friend called Ronnie, who passed away 17 years ago.

Mr Farenden was in hospital being treated for a tumour on his pancreas, when he is believed to have caught bronchopneumonia, which has been recorded as his official cause of death.

Those close to Mr Farenden know they are unable to give him the send-off he deserves due to the pandemic, but a funeral service will take place on April 30 in Hemel Hempstead, followed by a service at West Herts Crematorium.

Ms Lawson is hoping to raise £1,000 each for Mr Farenden's sons; Luke, 16, Manny, 13, and Ed, 7, who live in St Albans.

So far, more than £1,300 has been raised. The Go Fund Me page can be found here.