Fond memories of a 'gentle family man'

Father-of-two Mr Matthews, from Bushbury, Wolverhampton, was one of 150 people killed on the Barcelona to Dusseldorf flight, brought down deliberately by co-pilot Andreas Lubitz.

The Wolves season ticket holder and former Scout leader, aged 50, was only on the plane because he couldn't get a direct flight home.

She said: "I was deeply saddened to hear of the death of my constituent, Martyn Matthews, in France in such tragic circumstances. I have written to Mr Matthews' family them to offer them my deepest condolences and to also offer any assistance I can provide to make sure that they get the consular assistance they need from the Foreign Office.

"I hope that investigators are able to find out why the aeroplane failed so that that families of those who lost their loved ones can get to the bottom of what happened in this tragic accident."

Wolves have paid tribute to the avid fan by lowering flags at Molineux to half mast, while chief executive Jez Moxey said the club's heart went out to his family.

And a fund set up in his memory by a fellow Wolves supporter has already raised almost £500.

Other Wolves fans have called for a minute's applause in the 50th minute of the next Wolves home game against Leeds on April 6, Easter Monday.

A worker at car components firm Huf, in Tipton, Mr Matthews, of Abbeyfield Road, leaves behind wife Sharon, 48 and children Jade, 20 and Nathan, 23, who in a short family statement said they were 'devastated'.

Mr Matthews, of Abbeyfield Road, was a former Scout leader and One of his Scout mentors Bob Denson was a close friend for many years.

Mr Denson, a Cheslyn Hay councillor, paid tribute to the disaster victim, whom he said he had many fond memories of.

"Martyn was one of my Scouts – he was in the Cubs aged seven and the Scouts until aged 16," he said. "Then he became a Scout leader with 4th Wednesfield Scout Group and I knew him for many years.

"He was a really nice lad and they had a great time in the Scouts.

"I will remember him as a very gentle man with a really good sense of humour, a big family man. I've got many fond memories of him.

"One time I had a bit of a go at him. We were camping and Martyn and his friend Neil went off for ages, I told him off but they'd gone to buy me a knife to mark an anniversary of me being involved in the Scouts. I can't stop thinking about him, he was just a very friendly man."

In 1992, Mr Matthews was one of three Scout leaders who climbed Britain's three highest peaks of Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon to raise funds for the group.

Mr Matthews's father Frank, who died last year, was also involved in the Scouts as a group leader.

Meanwhile, the fund set up in Mr Matthews's name – www.gofundme.com/py6pe4 – has raised £360.

It was launched by fellow Wolves fan Craig Alcock, who states: "Our thoughts and prayers are with Martyn's family and the children that he has left behind.

"Let's show everyone what we can do for one of our own."

Comments have been left by friends and colleagues. Stuart Baker said: "Work at Huf UK for 10 years, sad news, nice man always friendly to everyone."

Sophie Dunn added: "RIP to a lovely man, always happy. And a lovely dad to a good friend. They only take the angels."

Tributes were also paid on Wolves forum website Molineux Mix, with one saying: "I met Martyn via work and had many long chats regarding Wolves as he was a season ticket holder and fellow fanatic."

Another user, Wallace, said: "Tragic for all concerned and their families. Condolences to all.

"Never met Martyn or his family but they have a special bond with us all being members of the Wolves family and are in my thoughts at this sad time."

Mr Matthews was a season ticket holder in the Steve Bull Stand the club has been in touch with his family to pass on its condolences.

His wife Sharon runs active kids' club Movin' 'n' Groovin', aimed at youngsters from tots to teens. She has worked with Wolverhampton City Council's sport development team.