A YOUNG father who collapsed and died while dancing at a friend's birthday party had been suffering from severe heart disease.

Terence Lake, known as Tek, was celebrating a pal's 30th birthday at the Aston Court Hotel, in Derby, on August 25 when the tragedy happened.

These photographs were taken just hours before the 34-year-old died in front of shocked family and friends.

The 34-year-old had complained of feeling unwell earlier in the week and his girlfriend of 11 years, Hayley Andrew, had suggested he visit a doctor.

But he did not get around to it and his illness was revealed only after his death.

Hayley said: "He had a few funny turns in the week and a bit of tingling and pains in his arm but didn't get round to seeing the doctor.

"We were having a brilliant time at the party and had booked to stay overnight.

"Tek had been dancing all night and then they put Valerie, by Amy Winehouse, on and he started breakdancing.

"He was really going for it and then suddenly he just lay down and that was it, he didn't get up again."

Miss Andrew, of Mayfair Crescent, Mackworth, said she would make sure her and Tek's three-year-old son, Sonny Oscar, grew up knowing all about his father.

The 30-year-old said: "Tek loved being a dad.

"He would always talk about taking Sonny to boxing matches when he was older, as he loved boxing.

"I've told Sonny that his daddy has gone to the moon and he accepted that for a few days but now he's started asking when his daddy is coming back.

"He's too young to understand at the moment but I'll make sure he knows how special Tek was when he grows up."

A former Bemrose School pupil, Tek worked for gas servicing company AMEC and was a regular at Derby's Dog and Partridge pub, in Bedford Street, and, before it was demolished, the Roebuck Inn, in Amy Street, which Miss Andrew's mother used to run.

He loved travelling abroad and especially enjoyed the holidays he took in Greece.

Miss Andrew said: "He lived for his holidays, he absolutely loved them. We had booked to go away in December for Christmas – me, Tek and Sonny – but we will stay in Derby with family now."

Mr Lake's family, including his father – also known as Tek – mother Doreen and sisters Lorraine and Angela, said they had been overwhelmed by messages of support from his friends and colleagues.

"He was such a popular guy," said Miss Andrew.

"Everyone who knew him loved him and it's such a shock for us all that he has gone so suddenly."

Mr Lake's funeral will take place at Markeaton Crematorium on Thursday at 11.20am.

Mourners are invited to wear colourful clothes to celebrate his life.