FRIENDS and family of Stourbridge musician Paul Allen have spoken of their heartbreak at his death from a brain tumour, aged just 39.

The popular father-of-two, who lived in the Old Quarter, died at New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton - just six months after being given the shock news he was suffering from an aggressive grade four tumour, one of the most difficult types of cancer to treat.

Originally from Norfolk, Paul had only moved to the area last year to work as a senior residential support worker with youngsters with learning disabilities at Amblecote's Glasshouse College.

Within months of starting his new job he started suffering headaches and when medics discovered the tumour he underwent surgery but they were unable to completely remove it.

Despite the bleak prognosis - Paul remained upbeat and vowed to live each day he had to the full. He began seeking out alternative therapies, started writing songs again and rediscovered his faith - and he told the News in July: "If I get six months they're going to be a damn good six months."

Meanwhile - big-hearted work colleagues rallied to help Paul, his partner Cecilia Kus and their two young boys - Samuel, aged three, and Ronan, who is just nine months old.

A 'Breaking Good' acoustic night was held at The Glasshouse on July 31 which raised £1,000 and saw keen musician Paul, who used to gig in London and East Anglia, take to the stage to perform some of his own tracks. A further gig was held on October 23 and raised around £600.

Tragically Paul lost his fight for life just a month later - on November 24 - and friends and family said their last goodbyes at his funeral on Thursday December 10 at St James's Church, Wollaston.

Ashley Pountney, residential manager at The Glasshouse, said: "It was a nice send off for a nice guy."

He described Paul as an "inspiration", adding: "I only knew him 12 months but he was such a top bloke. He was always willing to help and he was such a devoted father to his little boys."

Paul's partner Cecilia said: "He was very caring and he had a big heart; he couldn't walk past a beggar without giving something."

She said new friends at The Glasshouse had been incredibly supportive, adding: "They've been really great."

Sam Mullett, a residential support worker at The Glasshouse, said: "We are all deeply saddened at the passing of our dear friend and work colleague Paul.

"I know I speak on behalf of everyone at The Glasshouse College when I say it was an absolute pleasure to have known such a kind, extraordinary and delightful person; he really was a joy to be around and will be dearly missed by everyone who knew him.

"Our hearts go out to Paul’s family, especially his wonderful partner Cecilia and their two young boys."

She said pals hope to stage another fundraising gig to help Cecilia and the boys. She said: "We're thinking of doing another band night in February - to try and get enough money to get Cecilia a car to get the boys around - and to pass her driving test as well.

"We'd also like to hear from local businesses if they have anything they could donate to the boys for Christmas."

Any businesses or individuals wishing to help can call Sam on 07583 172804.