Grandad, 46, dies from heart attack as he plays poker

Scotland -- A young grandfather has died after suffering a heart attack while he played poker.

Andy Thomson, 46, complained to friends that he didn't feel well minutes before he collapsed on the floor.

They quickly called an ambulance, but Mr Thomson was dead before the emergency services arrived.

The former taxi driver and business owneADVERTISEMENTr recently had to give up work because of illness including a brain haemorrhage.

Last night, his parents paid tribute to their "smashing son" saying he was liked by everyone he met.

Speaking from the family home in Saughton, his mum Norma said: "All we get from everyone that has spoken about him is that they will never meet anyone like him.

"He was a lovely lad who was always there if anyone needed him. He would do anything for anyone.

"It's bad enough if it's one of your parents, but when you lose one of your children, it's just awful."

She told how Mr Thomson's health had been a concern since his first heart attack three years ago but she had hoped it was improving after he survived that and a brain haemorrhage.

She said: "He had an operation earlier in the year, in February, and everything seemed to be OK. He seemed to be doing well.

"Then he went out to West Lothian to meet up with a few lads for a game of poker. He said he wasn't feeling too good and then he passed away just like that."

Andy's father Donald and his wife told how they were still trying to come to terms with the loss. They praised the strength of Mr Thomson's sons, Andrew Junior, 27, and Mark, 24, since losing their father.

He said: "At times it still doesn't seem real. We know it's not a dream and that we're going to wake up and everything will be fine, but I don't think it has hit us yet."

Norma added: "We are a pretty close family. We've always been close. He has aunts and uncles in North America and they were just devastated when they were told.

"His sons Mark and Andrew have been run off their feet doing everything that needs to be done and of course looking after us."

Andy is survived by wife Elaine, his sons Andrew and Mark and grandchildren Dale, 15, Lauren, nine, Devon, six and Dean, four.

Scotsman News

News Added: 08 August, 2008

Number of views : 764