A cardiac nurse who died of a stroke was remembered at a memorial service near the hospital where he worked.

Ben Pabines, 37, a well-respected cardiac ward nurse, had worked at St Anthony’s Hospital in London Road for five-and-a-half years after arriving from the Philippines.

He died on Tuesday, February 23, after suffering a stroke on Saturday night as he went to bed with his wife Linette, 39.

His colleagues have started a collection to support his family, including daughter Kizzia, nine, and son Kyle, two, after their future in England was put in doubt.

Mrs Pabines, a housewife, said the morning before her husband’s life support was turned off he had shown signs of recovery. But he later deteriorated and was confirmed dead in the afternoon.

She said: “I feel devastated. I had a big hope he had a chance to live, but then it all changed.

“He was one of a kind. He thought first of our needs before his and loved us unconditionally.

“I’m worried about what is going to happen to my children. We wanted to spend the rest of our life in the UK and were looking into a Government citizenship exam for permanent residency the night he died.”

A memorial service for Mr Pabines was held at St Cecilias Church, Cheam, on Friday, March 5.

Former colleague Dr John Smith, 59, of Wimbledon, said Mr Pabines was always “absolutely fantastic”.

He said: “He was calm, very knowledgeable and was always up to speed with the patients.

“He was kind and held in high regard by the other staff. The whole ward has been devastated by losing him at such a young age and with such a young family.”

Contributions for the Pabines family may be sent to St Anthony’s Hospital until March 12. Make cheques payable to St Anthony’s Hospital marked “Ben Pabines” or call 020 8335 4646 for more details.

Use the form below to leave your tributes to Mr Pabines.