THE family of a popular New Inn man who died following complications arising from diabetes described him as the most caring and loving husband and father.

Adrian Jones, of Coed Camlas, who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes more than 20 years ago, died suddenly aged 41 at home on June 3.

His devastated wife Cath and daughters Chloe 16 and Sophie 12, now want to help other sufferers and their families by setting up a charitable trust in his memory to provide education and funds for research into diabetes.

Mrs Jones said Adrian, who worked in IT Support for Torfaen County Borough Council, was a well-respected and much-loved man.

She said: "He always had time for people and nothing was ever too much trouble."

"He was the most caring, loving and funny character you could ever wish to meet and would talk to anyone."

"He would visit schools as part of his job and all the children and staff loved him, he was a friend not just a colleague to many," she added.

The former New Inn Primary and West Monmouth School pupil worked as a fitter in a factory before embarking on a Business Information Technology course at the University of Wales College Newport 11 year ago and since worked for Torfaen council for the last seven years.

Mrs Jones said that whilst Adrian had significant support from nurses and diabetes specialists at Abergavenny's Nevill Hall Hospital maybe more could have been done to help educate sufferers and their families in adapting to life with such a chronic condition.

"Many sufferers don’t want to ask questions about living with the chronic condition or hear about the worst that could happen and don’t think about the physical or emotional effects."

"We want to set up a website and organise fundraising events to fund research and provide information and a forum for those affected by diabetes."

The funeral takes place in St Hilda’s Church, Griffithstown at 1.30pm on Monday June 18, followed by an interment at Llwyncelyn Cemetery, Cwmbran at 2.30pm and a celebration of his life at Cwrt Henllys public house, Cwmbran.

Donations will go towards the trust.

He leaves behind wife Cath, daughters Chloe, Sophie, parents Barbara and Graham Nan Bett and sister Gaynor.