Former Western Daily Press sports journalist Phil Such has died at the age of 38, losing his battle with motor neurone disease.

He worked on the Daily Press between 1988 and 1998 and after leaving the paper, went to work as a rugby writer at the Daily Mail.

He was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2000.

He refused to wait passively for the muscle wasting disease to take his life, and spoke movingly about his decision to go on hunger strike, to hasten his own death and stimulate debate about voluntary euthanasia. But he abandoned his campaign in June after suffering unbearable pain. However, in the months before his death, he campaigned to raise awareness about voluntary euthanasia.

Daily Press managing director John McNeilly, paid tribute, saying: “Phil was one of the most cheerful members of staff I have ever worked with and his infectious optimism was a joy which rubbed off on his colleagues.

“He glowed with vitality and this is one of so many reasons why he will be sorely missed and long remembered.”

Phil was all too aware of the battle he would face. His mother Marian had died of the disease in 1997 and was terrified when he was first diagnosed. After a fruitless search for a cure, Phil decided to live life to the full and travelled to places such as Australia, Barcelona and Singapore.

When his condition worsened, he was given constant care by his GP, and from Sheryn Alexander who arrived at his home to nurse him. The couple fell in love and recently started writing a book together about their lives. Now Sheryn will complete the final chapter.

Publican Steve Armstrong, of the Plough Inn, Congresbury, paid tribute to the bravery of Phil, one of his regulars. He said: “Everyone admired the way he coped.”

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