Tributes have been paid to a dad who died while on holiday with his son watching Wales play in their first World Cup in more than 50 years.

Kevin Davies, 62, from Pembrokeshire, Wales, had been suffering from a serious illness but had recovered and was well enough to make the 3,300-mile trip to Doha with his son.

The grandad left his home village of Boncath with friends and other family members nearly two weeks ago to cheer on Rob Page’s side.

But on Friday he was not well enough to go to Ahmed bin Ali Stadium to watch Wales take on Iran.

When his son and companions returned to their accommodation, they found him unresponsive and he was rushed to hospital by ambulance, but sadly passed away.

Mr Davies was later taken to hospital, where he died.

A villager in Boncath told The Sun: ‘Everyone is in shock – Kevin was a lovely man and very respected in the community and beyond.

‘He was being treated for a type of cancer but he was well and looking forward to going to the World Cup.

‘He was devoted to his family, everyone is feeling for them after he died so far away from home.’

Tributes have poured in for the grandfather who had retired from his job in further education with Pembrokeshire Council but was still very active as a community councillor for the village where he lived with wife, Catrin.

He travelled to Qatar with his son Gerallt who is making arrangements to have his father’s body flown home, it is understood.

Mr Davies was a well-known and hugely popular figure in the north Pembrokeshire area where he was described in one tribute as ‘halen y ddaear’ – ‘salt of the earth’.

He spent many years as Lifelong Learning manager of the Preseli Community Education Centre in Crymych before his retirement in January 2020.

He took over the role from Des Davies, who told the South Wales Argus: ’The shock at Kevin’s death is coming from all directions in the community.

‘He was such a popular person, very busy and always gave 100 per cent to everything he did.’

He was particularly involved in youth activities, for many years leading Aelwyd Crymych, the local Urdd group, through which he organised visits to destinations including Canand and Russia.

He was a deacon and treasurer of Blaenffos Chapol, sang with Crymych Choir and as well as supporting the Wales football team, championed Crymych’s Under 13s team, accompanying them on exchange visits to the community’s twin in Brittany.

‘Kevin was a keen supporter of Wales’ said Des Davies.

He added: ‘He went to every game in the Euros and he was so looking forward to going to the World Cup’

The Football Association of Wales said: ‘Our deepest condolences from everyone at the Football Association of Wales.

‘Our thoughts are with Kevin’s family and friends at this sad time.

‘The FAW is in contact with Kevin’s family to help in whatever way we can.’

Noel Mooney, chief executive of the Football Association of Wales (FAW), wrote on Twitter: ‘So sorry to hear that one of our supporters has passed away here.’

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