A 'fit and healthy' man died in his sleep after celebrating his 30th birthday.

John Armstrong’s heartbroken family told The Argus that the son and brother they described as a “free spirit” held a party at his home in Bourne Street, Eastbourne, but the following morning pals could not wake him and he was pronounced dead.

His family, who are waiting results from a post mortem, say they think his death could be related to problems he had when he was a baby.

Sister Julie Armstrong, 20, said: "All we have been told is he died in his sleep. Doctors have been unable to say anything else.

"They said his heart just stopped.

"My mother remembers that as a baby he suffered from some breathing problems in his sleep.

"He would stop breathing temporarily and would have to be resuscitated in hospital.

"We don't know if something like that has recurred in his adult life."

Ms Armstrong, paying tribute to her brother, pictured, who worked as a painter and decorator in Eastbourne, said: "He had been celebrating his birthday over the weekend and had been out for three evenings in a row which was typical of John.

"But for his actual birthday on the Monday he held a house party for close friends, it was after this that he died."

"If I could tell him anything now I would say I love you more than I ever told you and I'm so sorry I didn't say Happy Birthday – I didn't forget.

"I will miss you like crazy and I know you didn't mean to drop me on the climbing frame as a kid but I will always have the bump to remind me of you."

Ms Armstrong said her brother had loved his previous job as a ride attendant with a touring fairground.

Close friend Dawn Marie Cliff, 20, of Lingfield had been celebrating with Mr Armstrong.

She said: "He seemed absolutely fine, he was a very fit and healthy man.

"I've known him for eight years, having met him at the fairground.

"He was always there when I needed him and was like a brother to me.

"He helped me through thick and thin and I feel lost without him."

Friend Emma Smyth said: "Love you John and I still can't believe you are gone! I will miss you so much, I didn't speak to you long ago and it's hard to accept that that was the last time! Night, night John. I'll miss you forever.xxxx"

Mr Armstrong's aunt Linda Streeter said in a tribute on Facebook: "John, I still can't believe it – it's so surreal.

"Although we didn't see each other a lot Uncle Martin and I loved you."

Another friend Lucy Hemmings said: "I have just found out about John. We had shared so many years together as my mate... I only saw you a couple of weeks ago in Brighton, why have all the good ones been taken. Love you loads. RIP."

His funeral will take place at Tunbridge Wells Crematorium on Friday.