A MAN whose kindness and size earned him the nickname Big Friendly Giant has been killed in a car accident.

Martin Eddolls, 37, died in a collision near Cheltenham.

His life will be celebrated tomorrow when his funeral takes place at Fairford Church.

Mr Eddolls, who set up and managed internet companies, grew up at Leigh near Cricklade and attended Bradon Forest School in Purton before completing his schooling at St Alfred's College in Winchester.

He latterly lived in Cheltenham.

Throughout his life, he excelled at sport, winning medals for Swindon teams in disciplines as diverse as speed skating and basketball. He was also a highly respected rider, competing in events for the Vale of White Horse Hunt Team.

The son of Caroline and Charles, he also leaves a sister, Rebecca.

Rebecca said: "He was a giant of a man in both heart and stature, radiating unconditional love to all who needed it, from his 6ft 7ins frame.

"An exceptional sportsman, he excelled at riding horses, ice skating, basketball, staff fighting and numerous other sporting exploits, winning medals and trophies and representing regions and counties.

"He could get a tune out of the most troublesome horse and was an awesome event rider. He had a way of communicating with and understanding animals that was almost uncanny."

The circles he moved in meant he had a number of celebrity friends and acquaintances. Jason Connery, son of James Bond star Sean, and himself an actor, was a childhood friend.

Rebecca added: "When skating in Swindon one time, he picked up a fallen child.

"The little person looked up at this huge man and said 'are you the Big Friendly Giant?'.

"The name stuck, along with, recently, The Iron Giant or TIG.

"To his family, he was Sprog, but by whichever name they knew him, all who met him, will remember him for his kindness, his Peter Pan sense of fun and wonder and his firm belief that whatever walk of life you are from and whoever you meet on your travels, you should always strive to be excellent to each other."