'We thought my brother just had food poisoning - then he died'

When Richard 'Decky' Thomas went into hospital with a suspected case of food poisoning while on a trip to Greece in the summer of 2017, he seemed unconcerned.

Speaking to brother Jason Thomas on the phone, Richard said he was going into hospital after he returned to the UK, and he'd see him when he got out. But little did Jason know it was the last time he would ever speak to his big brother.

Richard suffered a cardiac arrest while watching his beloved rugby team Wyvern Harlequins play in a match he should have taken part in over an online stream. Richard had previously been diagnosed with cardiomyopathy - a disease that affects the heart muscle - but had otherwise led an active lifestyle and did not realise the severity of his illness, reports WalesOnline.

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A rugby player and owner of a scaffolding company from Gorseinon, Decky was feared and respected on the pitch but a "big, friendly giant" off it, said Jason.

On the shock of his big brother's sudden passing, Jason added: "Nothing felt real to be honest with you. I couldn't eat, sleep. It took me about five days to eat. I couldn't sit and watch TV for about six months. I just couldn't live my life or accept it. I wasn't allowing myself to accept it. I didn't believe it happened because it was such a shock and it was so quick. He's my big brother, he's not meant to die early."

The brothers had been inseparable and had the same circle of friends after years of playing rugby and training, drinking down the pub and going on trips abroad together.

Jason said they found