HUNDREDS of touching tributes have been paid to a champion of Wyre Forest young people who has died suddenly.

Shocked family and friends say they have been comforted by the huge number of moving messages they have received following the death of Mark Woodward, 55, who collapsed at his home on the Spennells estate in Kidderminster, on March 26.

His wife Karen said: “We have been overwhelmed by all the wonderful messages and tributes which show us how much he was respected and appreciated by so many people.”

Close family friends Ray and Carole Manton added: “Hundreds of tributes have been sent by groups and individuals from a wide cross-section of the community and they have helped everyone through this difficult time.

“Mark was a man who got things done and his enthusiasm and strong values instilled confidence and loyalty in all those who worked with him.”

Mr Woodward was dedicated to improving young people’s lives and was a key figure in Kidderminster & District Scout Association for more than 15 years.

He was warden of the association’s Rhydd Covert campsite for four years, played a major role in the £80,000 appeal to rebuild the activity centre after an arson attack in 2005 and was an energetic member of the district executive committee.

His achievements included the revival of Cookley Scout group after it closed, and successful roles as Explorer Scouts administrator, and media development manager.

Away from scouting, he was at the heart of many other district initiatives for young people, including Bewdley and Kidderminster youth clubs, St John Ambulance, Wyre Forest Lifestyle Project, and the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.

Among the former paramedic’s most treasured possessions were the Queen’s Jubilee Medal for his work with the county ambulance service and a St John Ambulance long-service medal.

Julie Goodyear, Kidderminster’s District Scout Commissioner, said: “We are all shocked and saddened by the news.

“I know I speak on behalf of everyone involved with Scouting in Kidderminster when I say that his good humour, friendship and immeasurable sense of fun, will be most sadly and desperately missed.

“Mark’s enthusiasm for scouting, and his commitment to enhancing and improving the life of young people on their journey to citizenship, as well as his selfless service to others, will always be remembered by all of us who had the privilege of knowing him.”

Mr Woodward came to Kidderminster as a child and was a pupil at Comberton junior and middle schools and Harry Cheshire High School. He later joined Hereford & Worcester Ambulance Service as a trainee and served for 27 years.

More recently he was travellers’ sites officer for Worcestershire County Council.

Mr Woodward’s other community activities included marshalling and co-ordinating local parades for St George’s Day, Kidderminster Carnival, Remembrance Day and the Mayor of Kidderminster.

He headed up a loyal team of volunteers who made sure parades went off smoothly and safely, and shortly before his death finalised arrangements for this year’s St George’s Day parade and the Mercian Regiment Freedom of Kidderminster parade which will be held later this month.