An accountant has died aged just 35 after bravely battling multiple sclerosis.

Nigel Parker, who was described as caring, intelligent and always smiling, was diagnosed with the neurological condition 11 years ago.

He died on Tuesday.

His father Kevin Parker, 65, of Hay Lane, Braintree, said: “It is a great loss because he was such a nice person, very well-liked, a good lad and very caring.”

Nigel played in the Braintree Marching Band as a youngster and was the last head boy at Tabor Science College in Braintree.

He worked as financial controller for the Victoria and Albert Museum before his health deteriorated ten months ago.

His funeral is on Wednesday at 11am at Chelmsford Crematorium’s south chapel.

The family have asked for donations to be made to a multiple sclerosis charity.

Pay your tributes to Nigel here.