TRIBUTES have been paid to a popular dad-of-two who died surrounded by his family after a shock stage four cancer diagnosis.

Chris Procter, 35, of Gawber, was told on Valentine’s Day that he had cancer before finding out the illness was terminal and had just months to live.

He had stage four cancer in four areas - his oesophagus, his lungs, stomach and his liver.

Known to many as ‘Beef’, Chris died surrounded by his family at Barnsley Hospice on May 29.

His partner Lucia told the Chronicle he was a ‘legend of a man’.

She said: “He was very well-liked.

“He was well-known in Barnsley Sunday League and played darts and cricket as well.

“He was cheeky, funny, outgoing, loyal and a legend of a man’.

“He was a great dad - really devoted.”

Following Chris’ shock diagnosis, Lucia said that the outpouring of love and support from his friends and family really helped.

“The outpouring of love since he went public with his diagnosis has been amazing.

“He was diagnosed on Valentine’s Day.

“Then two weeks after that we found out that it was terminal.

“Literally the day after he collapsed at home and was taken to hospital where he stayed for nine days.

“His friends Sam and Shane have been a pillar of strength through all of this.

“They supported Chris but myself as well.

“He went into the hospice on May 8 which was his 35th birthday.

“He died on May 29 surrounded by his family and Sam and Shane were also there but not in the room.

“His mum and dad came and camped in their motor home opposite our house and have been there to support us.

“His sister has been amazing too - she’s so supportive.

“He’s got twin brothers who have also been great, and so has my sister, too.”

Lucia and Chris first met at Dodworth Club.

She said: “They needed somebody to help there and we met through his sister who’s my best friend.

“The rest is history as they say.

“He moved in two weeks later with his mattress under one arm and his TV under the other and that was that.”

Lucia said she has received some lovely messages since his death.

“It’s been lovely to read everything,” she said.

“I’ve been getting a lot of messages and it’s been really nice.”

Chris leaves behind his two children Phoebe and Oliver, partner Lucia and other family members.

His funeral will take place at Barnsley Crematorium on July 10 at Barnsley Crematorium, followed by a celebration of his life at The Full House in Monk Bretton.

Lucia added: “The party is going to be epic.”