A LARGER-than-life youth coach from Harpenden Rugby Club died suddenly while training for a triathlon. Ian Weed, 45, of Hemel Hempstead had completed an open water swim in Windsor and was mid-way through a 20-mile bike ride when he appeared to suffer a heart attack on May 21.

He had been training for the Windsor Triathlon to raise cash for the NSPCC, which he was an enthusiastic patron of.

The father of two had played for Camelot RUFC in Hemel Hempstead for over 25 years before becoming a successful youth coach for Harpenden – where his sons play – winning seven successive County Cup Finals.

His best friend, Jonathon Morris, said the loss of Ian would be felt by many. He said: “He’ll leave a huge hole in the lives of many people, especially his wife and two children. It’s a very difficult time.

“He was the life and soul of any party. He had a really big personality and was such good fun. He had a huge appetite for life.”

During Ian’s life he spent a brief spell playing semi professional rugby in South Africa.

He raised thousands of pounds for charity by completing several sporting events and was held in great esteem by colleagues and clients at Verizon Ltd.

Friends say Ian’s perseverance and “can-do attitude” spurred him on to complete his first Olympic distance triathlon – a 1.5km swim, a 40km cycle and a 10km run – in 2010.

His family and friends have vowed to continue his good work for the NSPCC and have already set up a charity page for donations to be made which can be found at www.justgiving.com/inmemoryofweedy

Ian leaves behind his wife Cora and two sons, Declan, 17, and Euan, 13.

The funeral will be held at 10am today (June 2) in St Bartholomew’s RC church, St Albans. His family are asking that any donations are made to NSPCC.