TRIBUTES have been paid to a much-loved Kemble Station worker who died on the platform after a heart attack.

When Malcolm Van Nuil collapsed to the floor commuters immediately jumped to his aid to give him CPR. Five of them stayed with him for an hour while paramedics worked to save his life.

Sadly the station worker, known as a gentle giant, died that morning of January 5 aged just 51.

Malcolm was born in Lennoxtown, Scotland, but grew up in Essex. He lived in Cornwall after that and spent 30 years working as a chef.

He moved to Swindon after he fell in love with partner Julie Webb and started work at Kemble Station in September 2008.

Despite not working at the station for long Malcolm became very popular with commuters who remember him for his excellent customer service and friendly demeanor.

"He loved his job," said partner Julie, "he was so happy when he got it".

"He made me so happy and he was just amazing to be with. I would do it all again just to have met him," she added.

"He loved his job and the station and was so enthusiastic. He always went to work with a smile on is face."

Julie recalls how Malcolm loved to write poetry in his spare time. She said: "He wrote me a lot of romantic poetry which I will treasure forever."

Julie and Malcolm would often go out in the caravan they bought together and he loved going out for meals with her and seeing friends.

"He made such a big impact on my life. To find someone again after being widowed before was amazing."

Malcolm was loved at the station and would always pop in to the station coffee shop Off The Rails Café to have a chat with owner Deidre Clarke.

"I spoke to him all the time, every single morning actually. He would bring me my newspapers and I would give him a coffee," she said.

"He was larger than life. Nothing was too much trouble for him. He was digging people’s cars out of the snow last year – that’s how lovely he was," she added.

"If anything could be done to help someone he would do it. He was a wonderful man and just fitted the job perfectly.

"People couldn’t get over how helpful he was. Nobody had a bad word to say about him.

"I know everyone would like to thank those commuters who tried to help Malcolm and stayed with him while paramedics worked on him."

Kemble resident Pat Ayres remembers him as a gentle giant who always made her feel special.

She said: "I’m an OAP and he always used to say things like "there’s your ticket young lady". It’s little things like that that make a person feel special.

"He was quite tall and I called him a gentle giant. He always brought a smile to your face. He was a lovely, lovely man and very respectful and friendly.

"I imagine getting up at four o’clock every morning and being bright and breezy is very hard work but he did it so effortlessly. "When he dealt with customers he made you feel like you were the only person there.

"He always kept the station looking clean and brilliant."

He leaves behind his partner Julie and daughter Deborah and stepsons Stephen, Kevin, Wayne, Mark and Paul.

Malcolm’s funeral will take place in Cornwall but Julie will be arranging a service in Swindon for his many friends and family.

Did you know Malcolm? You can leave a tribute below.