The family of a man who died after falling into a Second World War bunker have spoken of their pride after his organs were donated to save the lives of others.

Russell Ruck, from Maidstone, died two days after suffering a medical episode while doing voluntary work at the bunker in Capel-le-Ferne, near Dover.

He fell 15ft into the underground structure.

The 40-year-old suffered severe head injuries and died on Saturday, July 11, at St George’s Hospital in London.

His heartbroken family took the decision at his hospital bedside to donate his organs.

Mr Ruck’s liver, pancreas and both kidneys were given to four people on the urgent waiting list for transplants.

Many other people will benefit from other donations such as skin and his femur.

Father Barry Ruck, 67, said: “It was something positive out of a negative situation. It makes me feel better about it.”

His younger sister, Charlie Kenobi, added that organ donation was in line with her brother’s ethos.

Mr Ruck, of Florence Road, had been volunteering with friends at the former military bunker for about five months.

On the day of the accident he was with Trevor Collins, also from Maidstone.

An active man, Mr Ruck was fascinated by technology. He liked outdoor sports and was a member of a radio club. He was also a keen photographer.

He was a pupil at St Michael’s Primary School in Maidstone before going to Astor of Hever School and moving to the Laleham Gap Secondary School near Margate, a school that helped him with his dyslexia.

He was diagnosed with juvenile epilepsy in his 20s and recently with Asperger’s syndrome.

His father said: “Just before he died had been the happiest I think I’d ever seen him. He loved life – he wasn’t happy sitting still.”

He leaves dad Barry, sister Charlie and brother-in-law Kim. His mother, June, died in November 2010.

Mr Ruck’s funeral is to be held on Tuesday, August 11, at 2pm at Vinters Park Crematorium in Maidstone.