Royal Engineer Ian Wilson (third from right) crossing the Rhine on the Help for Heroes cycling trip before he had a heart attack that killed him

"He died surrounded by his friends."

This was one of the tributes paid to Ian Wilson who collapsed and died on the journey home to Chatham by a team of Royal Engineers on the final leg of a huge charity effort for Help for Heroes.

He had a heart attack just outside Dover after cycling 500 miles with Team Sapper to help raise £100,000.

Team Sapper member Ian Wilson collapsed just outside Dover, on the last stretch of the bike ride, just days after becoming a grandfather.

The 13-member team, made up of serving and veteran members of the Corps of Royal Engineers, had completed the Help for Heroes Big Battlefield Bike Ride across England and France and were continuing their cycle home to Chatham when, stopping for a break, Ian suffered the heart attack.

Team Sapper administered CPR and he was admitted to hospital but did not regain consciousness.

Fellow team member, Steve Craddock, said: “Team Sapper has lost a great comrade, a great man and a true gentleman. He will be sorely missed by everyone.

“Ian was a founder member of Team Sapper helping the team to raise well over £300,000 and in the process raised more than £30,000 himself.”

Steve added: “The only consolation his family and friends can take from this tragedy is that Ian died whilst surrounded by friends, having raised thousands of pounds for a charity and cause that was so close to his heart.”

Ian, who would have been 62 today, had served for 25 years in The Corps of Royal Engineers and was a highly skilled Electrical Engineer.

During his long career his highlights included serving with the Sultan of Brunei’s armed forces and being the senior Electrical Engineer in charge of the military power station on Gibraltar.

He lived in Faversham and, together with his Wife Jenny, ran the Barleymow Gift Shop in the centre of the town.

His wife said Ian was really excited about his fourth ride for the charity and was constantly on its website, reading blogs and talking to fellow team members and other riders from all over the country.

As a tribute to Ian, Jenny has asked the team to continue to fundraise for Help for Heroes and to raise as much money as possible for a cause he held close to his heart.

To donate to Team Sapper visit www.bmycharity.com/teamsapper