A Watford firefighter with a “promising career ahead of him” has tragically died from a single blow to the head, during his first organised kickboxing tournament.

Daniel Edmonds, 26, from Abbots Langley, was competing in his first full contact match on Sunday evening at Lava and Ignite nightclub in Hemel Hempstead.

After sustaining a severe head injury, Mr Edmonds was rushed to Watford General Hospital and later transferred to the National Neurological and Neurosurgical Hospital in Central London.

The Red Watch firefighter died surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday afternoon.

Family members have described Mr Edmonds as a wonderful son, brother, boyfriend, uncle and friend, with a “wicked sense of humour”.

They said: “Dan gave us so much love and we loved him more than we can describe in words, he was our rock.

“He lived for his family and friends and would do anything to make others happy.

“Along with his girlfriend, Michelle, Dan had already started making big plans for their future, even choosing the names of the children they would one day have together.

“Dan was loved by everyone who knew him, and his nephews, Alfie and Louis were among his biggest fans, they idolised him.

“There wasn’t a single selfish bone in Dan’s body, he was simply amazing.”

Describing Mr Edmond’s selflessness, the family revealed that the former firefighter had registered to be an all-organ donor and is to continue helping others after his death with the donation of seven-life saving organs and three life-changing organs.

They said: “This is so typical of Dan and we take great comfort knowing that lives have been saved as a result of his kindness and selflessness, even in death.

“We love everything about Dan, and miss him so much. He meant everything to us.”

Chief Fire Officer Roy Wilsher said: “We are absolutely devastated by the loss of our friend and colleague, Daniel Edmonds.

“The Fire Service is like an extended family and we have all lost a member of that family.

“For all of us the loss is huge and we are all grieving.

“Daniel was well liked by everyone who knew him and it is so tragic that his life has been cut short in this way.”

Mr Edmonds leaves behind his mother, Sally Fillary; father Alan Edmonds; girlfriend Michelle Noble and her parents Jacqueline and Joe Noble; Sister, brother-in-law and nephews Michelle, Dean, Alfie and Louis Mayhew, and his 18-month-old Labrador, Dudley.

His funeral takes place on Wednesday, November 4, at 2:15pm, at St Lawrence Church, Abbotts Langley.

Everyone who knew Mr Edmonds is welcome to attend. Family flowers only, but donations can be made to the Firefighters Charity.