TRIBUTES have been paid to the man with the “biggest heart” after his sudden death over the weekend.

Father-of-one Sean Crawford died at his home in Athelstaneford on Sunday.

An investigation is under way to establish the cause of death before a date is set for Sean’s funeral.

Karen Anderson, mum of Sean’s seven-year-old daughter Layla, led the tributes and struggled to put into words what he meant to those who knew him.

She said: “He had the biggest heart and was the friendliest giant in the entire world.

“He would do anything for anybody – he would help anybody.

“Layla was his world and she is a daddy’s girl.”

'A force of nature'

The 37-year-old grew up in Berwick-upon-Tweed before moving to Haddington about 20 years ago.

Two years ago, he got his home in nearby Athelstaneford.

He worked with the Prestonpans-based Pennypit Community Development Trust as a pantry co-ordinator and co-founded Working for Change Collective, a group aiming to help people who have experienced hardships and want to make changes in the community.

Both groups took to social media to offer kind words to Sean.

A post on Working for Change Collective’s social media said: “We can’t quite believe we are posting this but we are absolutely heartbroken that we have lost a beloved member of the Working for Change Collective, our co-founder Sean.

“He was a force of nature, an activist, a friend to many and, above all, a dad, Layla was his world.

“This news is devastating but Sean wouldn’t want us to focus on that.

“He would want us to focus on his life and the future in which his daughter will be raised in.

“Sean wanted to see change and we will continue the work started by Sean to ensure that voices are heard, action is taken and a response is given.

“Goodbye, friend, we will miss you.”

'He made us all smile'

Meanwhile, a message offering condolences was also posted on the Pennypit Community Development Trust’s Facebook page.

It reads: “It is with heavy heart that we are writing this message.

“Sean was a huge part of our team and we are all devastated with his passing.

“I believed in Sean the day I met him and he quickly embedded himself into the Pennypit way of life.

“He never quite believed the impact he made on others but we all know his passion and dedication to put others first.

“He loved his job and he was so good at it, driving change and helping others believe in themselves to change.

“His jokes, laughter and banter were endless and he made us all smile.

“We are thinking of his family and friends.

“His legacy lives on… we miss you Sean.”

In the meantime, an online fundraising page has been set up in order to try to help Layla “give her daddy the send-off he deserves”.

Karen, who lives in Haddington, was blown away by the messages of support and the donations, which have already passed £5,500.

She said: “I’m so overwhelmed by the generosity of people.

“I think it is absolutely amazing; I’m honestly still trying to absorb it.

“I work part-time and I am classed as a single parent – there is no way I could afford to give him the send-off he genuinely deserves.

“Layla understands to a certain degree but for her future and getting to see that daddy was a very well-liked and loved guy, not only by her but many, many people, it is overwhelming; it is unbelievable.

Go to gofundme.com/f/sean-crawford-laylas-daddy to make a donation.