Popular former chef Robert Ilsley dies suddenly at 28

A popular former chef has died suddenly after falling ill at his home.

Keen sports fan Robert Ilsley, aged 28, died on June 27 after suffering a heart attack at his home in Sunnyside, Walsall Wood. Paramedics were unable to save him.

Described as a "gentle giant", the Aston Villa fan was a competitor at the Masters Poker events at Grosvenor Casino where he came eighth out of 100 players in an event last year. He was also a member of the pool and darts teams at Twin Crescents residents' group in Pelsall.

Paying tribute to the former Aldridge School pupil, his sister Michelle White, 26, of Fordbrook Lane, High Heath, said: "Rob was very hard-working.

"He used to be a chef and travelled round the country. He even moved to the Isle of Wight to work in hotels. Eventually, he came back to Walsall in 2001 and joined Goodyear as a telephone sales representative.

"He thought the world of my daughter Connie. He doted on her and was always buying her gifts. He was the first person she waved at. He used to visit us every day.

"He will be sorely missed."

His funeral was held at Sutton Coldfield Crematorium on Tuesday, led by Dan Maley, of Walsall Community Church where Robert attended previously.