TRIBUTES have been paid to a popular Rhyl hillwalking enthusiast who "died doing what he loved".

Duncan Macauley died aged 53 of a heart attack while trying to catch the sunrise from Dyserth Quarry on Sunday, April 5.

In memory of his elder brother, Marc Macauley has set up a crowdfunding campaign for a portable lightweight defibrillator for other hillwalkers, and has already more than doubled the original to raise £1,500 goal.

Marc said: "Walking the hills and mountain ranges around North Wales was his passion, I couldn't keep up with everywhere he'd hiked but he'd done most of them.

"It was such a shock, Duncan died suddenly and had no underlying illness or symptoms.

"Since he passed, we've decided to raise money for a defibrillator for use in the community by groups out hill walking like the Scouts and the Brownies. The response has been overwhelming, we're almost at the point now where we can get three."

Originally born in Stockport on February 12, 1967, Duncan moved with his parents, Marc and sister Carole to Rhyl in 1974, aged seven.

Attending Ysgol Llywelyn and Rhyl High, the "very skilled" Duncan began a career in construction that saw him work on projects including Llandudno's Mostyn Art Gallery while working for long term employer, RL Davies in Llysfaen.

Described as a dedicated family man, Duncan leaves behind partner Liz sons Kyle and Sam and daughter Kimberley as well as eight grandchildren.

In 2019, Duncan set up on his own firm Kylsamac Construction alongside both sons.

An avid music fan, and a self confessed Mod in his younger years, Duncan continued to enjoy riding his Vespa scooter and attending gigs in the Tivoli in Buckley, the MEN in Manchester and Venue Cymru.

Marc added: "He was a local lad, who liked drinking in the Ffordd Derwen and was well respected and well liked by everyone in Rhyl.

"He was known by people everywhere, wherever we went there was always somebody who who knew him.

"The amount of people who have contacted us have been astounding, we've had Whatsapp messages, emails, and calls from people as far away as America and Australia."

Duncan's funeral cortege leaves his home at 10.30am on Friday, April 17 for the service at the St Asaph Crematorium at 11am.

A gathering of friends and family is planned for after the Covid-19 lockdown in tribute to Duncan.

Marc said: "We're looking to have a right knees up once lockdown is lifted.

"We have to give him a proper send off - to just have ten people say good by is wrong, especially when he was so well liked."

To donate to the fundraising campaign, click here.