A double-glazing fitter – who died after falling and hitting his head in a pub – has given the chance of life to someone else.

Stephen Waldron, who was 43 and lived in a flat on Leeds Road, Ilkley, died despite the efforts of brain surgeons.

But his heart and kidneys were donated for transplant.

Mr Waldron, who was also a qualified carpenter, had been chatting to friends at The Midland Hotel bar in the town when he collapsed, striking his head on the floor in May this year.

Irvin Bennett said: “He went straight down backwards, banging his head on the floor. He was shaking a bit but was unconscious.”

At an inquest in Bradford yesterday, Coroner Roger Whittaker heard how Mr Waldron was known to have alcoholic liver disease and have fits. Mr Waldron was taken to Airedale General Hospital at first but was transferred to Leeds General Infirmary. He had neuro-surgery but his condition deteriorated.

The post-mortem report said the cause of death was the bleeding in his brain due to a head injury due to chronic alcoholism. Mr Whittaker said that, although he knew why the alcoholism had been noted in the report, it was clear to him the head injury had been caused as he fell due to a fit.

“If he had a fit while in comfortable surroundings and not fallen and struck his head on a hard surface, there may not have been a problem,” he said.

“This was not a natural cause of death, it was accidental.”

Last night, friend Matthew Barry, said: “He was a well-known local character who had many friends and is sorely missed.

“He knew everyone in Ilkley. He loved Formula One and had a keen interest in archery and pool.

“He was a very good pool player.”