HEARTFELT tributes have poured in for a beloved community figure who went above and beyond to help others.

Tributes have flooded in for Mike Phipps, a lifelong Christian and former youth worker at Network Youth Church in Barrow.

The 57-year-old, who lived in Abbey Road, sadly died after his battle with cancer.

His wife of 35 years, Sue, described him as a 'gentle giant' and 'lovely person'.

She said: "Mike was a kind and caring guy who had a great sense of humour and a very loud laugh.

"I have received over 100 sympathy cards from so many people from different aspects of Mike's life.

"He was a lovely person who will be missed by many people."

Mr Phipps grew up in the Stockport area before moving Barrow in 1994 where he worked as a Christian Schools Worker in a number of senior schools in Furness.

He then went on to work in tax and accounting before becoming involved in Network Youth Church which reaches out to young people aged 11 to 18 through organising events, groups and clubs to learn about God.

Mr Phipps drove the bus for the Network Youth Church which reached out to young people in schools.

Mrs Phipps said her husband always wanted to help those who were struggling.

She said: "Mike had a social conscience and believed you should help those who, for whatever reason, may be struggling and in need of a lift up.

"He decided that was the way he wanted to live and always gave to charities.

"If he saw a way he could help, he stepped in."

Andy Ward, leader of the Network Youth Church in Barrow said Mr Phipps will be 'deeply missed'.

He said: "Mike was our part of our leadership team, but more so a friend to us.

"We deeply miss him and his help in Network Youth Church, but are thankful for him and his life.

"Young people were always a passion for Mike and we are continuing to reach out and help those around us, like he would have done."

Mrs Phipps has launched three fundraising pages in her husband's memory: Network Youth Church, St Mary's Hospice and Shelter.

She said: "I decided I didn't want flowers and instead asked people if they would like to give money in memory of Mike instead.

"It's something positive and will go towards actually helping people."

The pages have raised over £1,500 since they launched.

"I've been amazed by how generous people have been," Mrs Phipps said.

"It really shows how loved Mike was."

To donate, visit:

www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Mike-Shelter

www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Mike-StMarysHospice

www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/mike-nycbarrow