A marathon runner who suffered a fatal heart attack metres from the finish line will be remembered by his brother as a fighter.

Plumber Steve Bush of Mill Road, Deal, who is also known for setting up the Deal Walk and Talk group, collapsed during a race at Samphire Hoe in Dover.

Despite the efforts of medical professionals including those at Kent Air Ambulance and the William Harvey Hospital, he died nine days later. He was aged 52.

His younger brother John Bush told KentOnline: "I will remember him as a fighter, in all aspects of his life.

"Whether that was in the army, getting fitter, or fighting for his family.

"He loved family and was always there at family functions. He always fought for what he believed in."

Mr Bush was born at Dover Hospital and attended Deal Secondary before joining the British Army at aged 16, where he learnt his trade.

He served for nine years with duties including setting up base camps, including in the Yugoslav conflict in the 1990s. He also carried out work with bomb disposal teams and the United Nations.

Upon leaving, he worked for British Gas and some smaller firms.

His family say he was known for being particularly caring to customers; attending call outs at any time of day and charging very reasonably.

In January, he fulfilled a long term ambition by becoming a plumbing lecturer at Dover College.

Mr Bush said: "He had wanted to be a teacher for a long time so become a plumbing lecturer was a proud achievement. He was passing on his knowledge."

About three years ago, a health scare prompted Mr Bush to get fit, which is when he took up marathon running.

He completed eight in this time including in Brighton and the local Clifftop Challenge (a 55 mile run from Hastings to Deal), in aid of Breast Cancer Now.

Friend and fellow runner Victoria Ward was 200m from the finish with Mr Bush when he collapsed.

Paying tribute, she said: "Steve was an extraordinary man and no words can sum him up.

"The marathon was a special day. We laughed and told stories. I just never could have imagined it would end the way it did.

"I am broken to think he will never join me on another run. Friday night runs will never be the same without him and his stories."

Mr Bush was instrumental in setting up the Deal Walk and Talk group, helping others to get out and walk.

It was founded after he was approached by a small group of females who were looking to remain safe while out and about.

While walking, he enthralled them with his knowledge of the area and a social media page, sharing details of walks and events, was soon established.

It is now set to continue in his name.

His friend Kelly Allaway added: "Steve was unassuming, gentle and kind. Interesting and interested.

"I met him on a walk 18 months ago and we became good friends, sharing a love of nature and animals.

"Walking was his first love (that’s a quote from a message from him) and although he loved to walk long, fast routes alone, since forming his walking group, Deal Walk and Talk, he had grown to appreciate strolling along with others, chatting and laughing as we went.

"He has left a big hole in our lives but we will walk on and keep talking as he would want, taking him with us in our hearts."

Mr Bush added: "Steve was at his happiest over the past three years.

"He was very proud that he had started this group and we are proud that they will be continuing what he started."

Mr Bush leaves two brothers, Troy and John, and mum Brenda Bush and he passed away on Monday, March 7.

A celebration of his life will be held at St Andrews Church, West Street, Deal at noon on Tuesday, April 5. This service is open to anyone who knew him.

A collection will be held for the British Heart Foundation and Kent Air Ambulance.

Dover College is also carrying out a fundraiser in his memory.

A sponsored walk from the college to Samphire Hoe will take place on May 5, raising money for Veterans in Action and SSAFA - The Armed Forces Charity.