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Jamie Brassington & Chloe Burrell

Tributes paid to much-loved dad who tragically passed away in mother's arms

Tributes have been paid to a much-loved dad who tragically passed away at the age of 41.

David Burns died in the arms of his mum and siblings, said his grief-stricken younger sister.

Mr Burns, known as 'Bunna', was from Wednesbury, West Midlands, and was described as the "most amazing, big-hearted man you could ever meet".

However his sister Jowdii Elyse Leaa, 29, said that he had his own demons and suffered a number of traumatic experiences during his life, including the loss of his brother, Birmingham Live reports.

Writing on her fundraising page, she said: "Bunna was one of a kind. He had time for anyone, he had eyes to see the good in people, even if they were no good for him, or if they treated him badly. He had a heart big enough to love everyone.

"To anyone who knew Bunna, he seemed the happiest man alive. But the truth was inside he was dying, struggling from mental health from an early age due to so many traumatic events.

David Burns tragically passed away at the age of 41 (Birmingham Live)

"The only way he could cover up his pain was to party, drink and socialise, which became frequent. Before we knew it, it had taken hold of him and he became reliant and knew no other way of coping in life.

"For years we tried, so hard, to get him some help for mental health," she said. "Everyone refused because they wouldn't assess someone under the influence of alcohol.

"Yet the reason people end up on these tragic paths is because of their mental health. They are the ones that need the help the most."

Jowdii said his illness caused his organs to "shut down one after the other - his liver then his kidneys, then his lungs and heart".

On the day of his death on June 14, she said he was "in pain from head to toe" and paramedics were called.

She said Mr Burns was crying from the pain, and passed away "in the arms of his mum, sister and brother" at their home, where he was receiving palliative care . She said a post-mortem examination was due to take place.

He left behind three children, two sons aged 22 and nine, and a 20-year-old daughter. The family have launched a fundraising page to help pay for his funeral.

"I don't expect people to donate much," Jowdii said. "We understand most are going through a financial crisis and we appreciate every little penny that you can donate." To donate to the page, visit GoFundMe.com.

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