A Worcester father, who doted on his children, has died after a long battle with multiple sclerosis.

The funeral of Marc Long, aged 30, will take place at noon today at Worcester Crematorium and his family have asked those who knew him to come along.

He was diagnosed with the disease five years ago and lost his fight on Wednesday, November 19.

His parents, Ken and Trish Long, have paid tribute to their “beautiful, caring, loving and selfless boy”. His mother said: “He was always a nice, strong, happy little character and we all miss him terribly.”

He will also be greatly missed by his daughter Shania, eight, and Ethan, three, upon whom he doted.

Mr Long was born prematurely and weighing just 4lb 12oz spent the first month of his life in hospital.

He was the middle of three children, his older sister Nikki is now 34 and brother Shaun is 27. Despite an early start in life he grew into a healthy young boy and attended Elbury Mount Primary School before moving to Elgar Technology College.

It was here he developed a love of sport and would often be found kicking a football around with his friends.

He also played cricket and his grandfather Tony Powell remembers watching the 14-year-old playing against the Royal Grammar School (now RGSAO) at New Road, Worcester.

After leaving school at the age of 16 Mr Long became a plasterer’s labourer.

He learnt the trade, taught his brother and together they worked as a team.

He also loved animals and would go fishing with his father, now 56, and when he was ill spent many hours talking about birds with his grandfather Tommy Long.

Eight years ago Mr Long became a father to Shania.

“She was the apple of his eye,” Mrs Long, 54, said.“Even when he was ill and he could not walk properly he still took that little girl to school every day.

“There was no baby that could talk better or walk better than Shania.”

A son, three-year-old Ethan, completed his family. “He was proud of his son, he thought he was so wonderful,” Mrs Long said.

At the beginning of last year Mr Long moved back to his parents’ house in Langdale Drive, Warndon, Worcester. “We devoted our lives to looking after him every day,” his mum said.

“When he got pneumonia we did not want him to suffer any more, he never wanted to be a vegetable in a wheelchair. He is not in any pain any more.”

His family has requested casual dress at the funeral today.

Donations to the Multiple Sclerosis Society can be given at the crematorium or to funeral directors A V Band.