A much-loved dad described as a “true gentleman” has died in a tragic house fire along with his two dogs.

Ian Jameson was overcome by smoke in Hersden, near Canterbury, on Friday night.

Fire crews were called after items left on a stove caught alight when the hob was accidentally switched on.

Mr Jameson, who spent two weeks in a coma fighting Covid during the pandemic, is understood to have died from smoke inhalation.

His two dogs, Benson and Luna, also died.

One friend described Mr Jameson as a “wonderful husband and father” while another said: “He adored all of his family and he will be sadly missed by many.”

Fire crews say they were called to assist paramedics at the house in The Avenue on Friday night.

The fire had been extinguished before they arrived, so they worked to make the scene safe.

A spokesperson for Kent Fire and Rescue Service said: “The cause of the fire has been deemed to be accidental, caused when items left on the hob caught alight when the hobs were accidentally turned on.”

Police are not treating Mr Jameson’s death as suspicious.

Meanwhile, a fundraiser has been set up to support his family, including his beloved wife Gail, and has already raised more than £4,000.

Louise Murphy, who created the appeal, wrote: “The tragedy of this is Ian [previously] had Covid and was in a coma for months on end.

“To survive this was nothing short of a miracle, but this left him with damaged lungs, so the fumes were just too much for him to handle.

“The hard side also is, financially, this put a huge strain on them as Ian could no longer work. Gail became his carer and they have no life insurance.

“Please, if you can support Gail through this very tough time to give Ian a send-off he deserves.

DONATE TO THE FUNDRAISER HERE

“Fundraising for Gail will be one less thing for her to worry about whilst the family process this heartbreaking tragedy.

“Ian was a wonderful husband/dad/grandad and best friend and will leave a huge hole in the hearts of those that loved him.”

KentOnline previously told of Mr Jameson’s battle with Covid.

He was rushed to the QEQM Hospital in March 2020 and placed in an induced coma for two weeks.

Gail, who was unable to visit him because of Covid restrictions, kept in constant touch with medical staff, who passed messages to her husband, even when he was unconscious.

After five weeks in hospital, Mr Jameson was finally allowed to go home, with staff lining the corridors to clap as he was discharged.

He was reunited with Gail outside the hospital entrance, where she welcomed him with banners.

At the time, the couple said they planned to renew their wedding vows and wanted to invite NHS staff to join them.