A HEARTBROKEN man has paid a moving tribute to his “caring and selfless” brother who has died, aged 28.

Neil Haslam passed away on June 4, leaving behind four brothers, a sister and and three nephews.

Mr Haslam was born and raised in Southend, attending the Thorpe Bay School where he was Head Boy in his final year, and then went onto South Essex College.

He attended university, but dropped out during his degree, and at the time of his death he had been living in London working for betting agencies.

An inquest is set to be held into his death at Essex Coroner’s Court in January.

Mr Haslam’s brother Louis Waters, 27, also from Southend, paid tribute to a “selfless” man who “always cared for others”.

He said: “He was always working, he was a very keen football player and shortly before his death he was in France and played in a few games as a goalie. He would always go to watch Southend United. Neil was the kind of person that would always want to make sure you were okay, he liked looking out for people.

“The day he died, he leant me £30 so I could pay for my gym membership, saying he wanted me to make sure I was set to be healthy.

“He was just so lovely, no one would have anything bad to say about him.”

Mr Haslam leaves behind his three nephews aged two, six and ten, plus four brothers and one sister – and his partner Kinga.

His funeral has been held and the family has now started a Go Fund Me page to raise £2,000 for a headstone. Mr Waters said he would like it to read “beloved uncle, son and brother” along with the date of his passing.

The fundraising page was set up on Wednesday and has raised £50 so far.

Mr Waters added: “We managed to get a cheaper deal for the funeral so it didn’t cost too much, but in order to get Neil a good headstone we need about £2,000. I want to make it look really nice with how much he was loved and who he will be missed by.

“I work for Veolia, and am hoping to organise some of my own fundraising events.

“We’re also planning to do a charity football match at some point with Achievement Through Football, who help disadvantaged children.

“Hopefully the page can raise quite a lot, if people are willing to help we would be so grateful.

“If I can get enough money raised, and after the inquest verdict comes through, I’d like to set up a charity in his name, for families of people with mental health difficulties to get advice on the best support and guidance they need.” To donate, visit www.gofundme.com/f/headstone-for-neil