THE family of a man who died after falling from a roof have spoken of their heartbreak and shock at his death.

Labourer Christopher Windiate, aged 52, was rushed to hospital shortly after 9.30am after he fell from the roof of a disused barn at Court Farm, Hindlip Lane, Hindlip, last Wednesday (April 22).

Despite the efforts of ambulance crews and medics, Mr Windiate suffered a "significant head injury" and cardiac arrest, and despite treatment he died in Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

Sophie Windiate, one of Mr Windiate's children, said his death "still doesn't seem real".

She said: "It was such a shock to me. Not having a text or phone call daily from dad is strange. I want to thank him for everything he did for me and my son, Kayden. If he wasn't helping someone he was winding someone up. He will be missed by all of us.

"He lived in Worcester his whole life, he went to Samuel Southall Secondary School. Dad liked gardening but working was his main hobby. He loved his motorbike — that was his life. He liked going out for meals, to bingo, to car boot sales and markets. He also loved spending time with his kids, grandkids and the rest of his family.

"We love him lots and will miss him always."

His daughter Danielle said: "Distance is one thing that kept us apart, but my dad will always remain in my heart."

Mr Windiate's son, Adam, said: "We had our ups and downs but what father and son doesn't? I miss him so much, I can't describe the pain I'm feeling. I have so many things to ask him and to say to him. Silly little things that probably wouldn't even matter now. We are all doing the best we can to give him a good send off.

"I want him to walk through my door. It's breaking my heart not being able to speak to him. I don't know what to tell my son, Luke. I love and miss dad so much, he will never be forgotten."

Other family and friends left tributes to Mr Windiate, who also lived at Court Farm.

His sister, Caroline, said: "There have been good times and a few fights. Maybe because in many ways we are too much alike. There was something that kept me from saying it to his face as much as I should, but regardless I want him to know I love him."

A spokesman for West Mercia Police said the death was not being treated as suspicious and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) confirmed it was assisting the police.

Mr Windiate's funeral will take place at Worcester Crematorium on Astwood Road at 12.15pm on Wednesday, May 20.

An inquest was opened in to Mr Windiate's death yesterday. The inquest is due to be held on September 15.