A GWENT father-of-two, described as a “caring, gentle giant” died while on holiday with friends in Spain.

Now Shane Pearce’s family and friends say they are overwhelmed with the support they have received as they try to raise the money needed to bring his body back home.

Mr Pearce, 38, of Blaenavon, died suddenly on the night of September 30, while away with five friends in Benidorm.

His heartbroken family say they still do not know the cause of his death as they await reports.

They estimate it will cost £6,000 to bring his body back to the UK, prompting Ben Shortman, a friend of Mr Pearce, to create a Go Fund Me page in a bid to cover the cost, with the campaign raising £1,840 in just two days.

“We just want to get him home,” said Rachel Pearce, the mother to Mr Pearce’s two children, daughter Ebony, 18, and son Riley, 13.

“Ben started the campaign when he rang me and asked if he could do anything on Wednesday.

“This is an indicator of the type of man Shane was as his friends have rallied round straight away to help out.”

The campaign started by Mr Shortman raised £1,000 in just one day after the Torfaen community began sharing the Go Fund Me link, including the mayor Giles Davies.

“People who didn’t know Shane have donated but he did have a lot of friends across Torfaen and Newport – he was such a caring, kind gentle giant,” said Ms Pearce.

His parents, Michael Pearce and Bev Davies, along with his younger sister, Kimberley Davies, are in a state of shock, but thanked everyone for their help so far.

“I would like to thank everyone for their kind gestures so far,” said his mother.

“The whole town appears to be in mourning for him as he was so popular. But I’m heartbroken and you just never think that your child will go before you.”

His sister added that he was such a funny and wonderful brother, who knew the exact way to bring a smile to anyone’s face.

The family have organised a fundraiser at Blaenavon Rugby Club on Friday, October 23, with live music and a raffle.

“It is absolutely amazing to think that so many people have supported the Go Fund Me page so far – we are overwhelmed and so thankful,” said Ebony.

Tickets cost £10 and are available by contacting organiser Emma Allford on Facebook.

To donate to Mr Pearce’s fund, please visit gofundme.com/2vx924