TRIBUTES have today been paid to a former Felixstowe portworker who was well-known for his boxing success and marathon running for charity.Philip Jaksch's family were shocked when he went to the doctors with an eating problem and was told he had cancer - and only two weeks to live.

TRIBUTES have today been paid to a former Felixstowe portworker who was well-known for his boxing success and marathon running for charity.

Philip Jaksch's family were shocked when he went to the doctors with an eating problem and was told he had cancer - and only two weeks to live.

But Mr Jaksch - a keen sportsman who loved to keep as fit as he could - battled on for 16 months against the killer disease until his death at the age of 54 on March 4.

“He was always such a fit man - when we went on holiday he would be off and running up mountains, he could never keep still,” said his daughter Sarah.

His wife Sue, of Downside Close, Ipswich, said: “Everyone loved him - he had such a lovely personality, and so much energy, and a smile which just melted you. We will miss him so much.

“He was a big family man. He was the nicest man you could ever meet and he had the biggest heart anyone could have - no matter what time of the day or night, if someone rang him with a problem he would be there.

“Even on his last day he was still smiling and laughing and saying, I'll be all right. He was so brave.”

His daughter Carly said: “My dad was one of a kind and was always there helping others. He was a perfect family man who will always be remembered.”

Mr Jaksch suffered cancer of the oesophagus, which later spread to his liver and lower back.

He was educated at Tower Ramparts School in Ipswich, enjoyed travelling, visiting countries including America, Australia and Spain. He worked at the Port of Felixstowe for about 12 years and later was involved in buying and selling.

In his youth he became interested in boxing and took up the sport, becoming an ABA champion, but despite trainers' efforts to persuade him otherwise, he didn't believe he was good enough to go further and stopped when he was 21.

Mr Jaksch was married three times, and he leaves five daughters and a son, and seven grandchildren. His funeral will take place at Horley Spiritualist Church, London Road, Ipswich, on Tuesday March 13 at 10am. Afterwards there will be a service at Ipswich Crematorium at 11am. Friends are also invited to toast his memory at Premier Pool Club, Duke Street, from 11.30am.

Pay your tribute to Philip Jaksch - write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail EveningStarLetters@eveningstar.co.uk