The devastated sons of the late former rugby star Jimmy Dalton have described him as “inspiring, selfless and a legend”.

Tyrone and Drew Dalton have paid tribute to their father who was found dead at Whitehaven’s Castle Park, last week, by family members.

Mr Dalton, 53, was known as a sporting hero with Whitehaven Rugby League Club and a dedicated community volunteer.

The father-of-two and grandfather-of-four had written a goodbye note to his loved ones. His family believe he died following an overdose.

The family has been overwhelmed by the kind messages of condolence they have received.

And they have discovered the impact their father’s volunteering has made in the community.

Drew, 26, said: “It makes us proud to see how much he has done in so many people’s lives. We didn’t know, until after he died, how much he’d done. He was so humble, he would never have wanted anyone to know.”

Despite Mr Dalton battling an illness that cut short his sporting career, his two sons recall him going out of his way to help others.

Tyrone, 27, said: “He always had a smile on his face. He put everyone’s problems first before his own. He was the perfect dad growing up. He was always there,” Drew added.

Over the past 10 years, Mr Dalton completed qualifications including mental health training. He was involved in setting up Starting Point in Whitehaven, where he helped people in recovery and he secured funding for Copeland Aftercare to help many others.

He also worked on the switchboard and security at West Cumberland Hospital, and volunteered at Whitehaven, Egremont and District Credit Union.

Mr Dalton was known as Pops to grandchildren Oscar, Willow, Roman and Phoenix.

“Seeing him with the grandkids reminded me of Tyrone and I as children. He had such a love for them which you could see in his eyes,” said Drew.

Tyrone said his father was “absolutely chuffed” to hear about his recent re-signing to Haven. “Hopefully I can make him proud,” he said.

He said his father devoted his time to help Tyrone learn rugby skills through hard work and determination.

Mr Dalton’s own sporting career with Haven came to an end in the 1980s due to illness. He was misdiagnosed and treated for cancer and then Castleman’s syndrome.

However, he was latterly diagnosed with the rare Pyrin Associated Febrile Syndrome.

Last week, appeals for information were made to the public as Mr Dalton was reported missing. Major searches were carried out by emergency services. The family would like to thank the coastguard.

The community is invited to Mr Dalton’s funeral at St Begh’s Church, in Whitehaven, at 1.30pm tomorrow (Friday), followed by cremation at Distington Crematorium at 2.45pm and a gathering at the Marchon Club.

Free car parking will be available at Whitehaven Rugby League Club and St Begh’s School. There will be family flowers only. Cash donations can be made, through Eaves Funeral Services, to Unity where Mr Dalton worked.

Letters – page 20