A FORMER police officer who was left disabled after being hit by a drink driver has been identified as the man who died in a sailing accident.

Stephen Hague was pulled from Windermere after getting into difficulty during a session at Blackwell Sailing Club on Wednesday.

It is understood the 57-year-old entered the water after his vessel capsized when it was caught by a gust of wind.

Emergency service were called shortly after 12.45pm and he was pulled out of the water near Bowness Pier. But despite the best efforts of medics he was later pronounced dead.

Friends of the 'fun loving' widower paid tribute to the 'man who lived life to the full'.

Mr Hague had spoken to The Mail the day before he died backing Barrow and District Disability Association's (BDDA)£250,000 expansion plan.

He had sought help from the charity while he was recovering from the accident that left him needing the use of a wheelchair 22 years ago.

They also helped him to deal with the loss of his wife Wendy to cancer when she was aged just 39.

Margaret Burrow, honorary CEO of BDDA, said Mr Hague 'lit up our centre' when he came to visit.

She said: “Stephen went on to become one of the most loved and respected members of our volunteer team.

“He was loved by everybody, staff and centre users alike.

“He was such a fabulous, kind, generous, naughty and loving man.

“He lit our centre up when he visited us, I could always know he was in the centre by the increased laughter.

“We are all so sorry and saddened to hear about this tragic accident but we are trying to take comfort knowing he died doing what he loved best, sailing on Windermere with the fabulous Blackwell Sailing Club for disabled people.

“They, like us, are gutted to have lost this wonderful man.”

Mr Hague, who lived in Haverthwaite, became a regular member of the sailing club following his accident.

After spending four months in a coma and two years recovering in hospital, Mr Hague was left with extensive speech and mobility problems.

Further tributes were paid to Mr Hague, who was described as a 'real inspiration'.

Mr Hague’s best friend and housekeeper, Paula Anderson, said: “Steve was a very dear friend and employer.

“He gave myself and my family many opportunities to do things that we have never done before, that is to live a life.

“For this I give him my heartfelt thanks.

“He was an absolute inspiration to so many people with his determination not to let his disabilities stop him living his life.”

Julia Everett, welfare benefits adviser at BDDA, said: “Steve had the most fantastic sense of humour and I feel so honoured to have been one of his best friends.

“He was one of the most inspirational, generous, fun-loving people I have ever had the pleasure to meet.”

Helen Robinson, also a welfare benefits adviser, said: “He was a man who lived life to the full with a ready smile and laugh.

“He was kind and generous to a fault and will be greatly missed. He was a real inspiration.”

Louise Harris, a volunteer at BDDA, said: “He is a big character to have lost. We knew when Steve was in the building with his laugh and dirty sense of humour.”

A spokeswoman for Blackwell Sailing Club, which is a training centre for The Royal Yacht Association, said: “Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Stephen’s family and friends, and all the volunteers at Blackwell Sailing.

“Following initial police attendance at the scene, as is usual in these circumstances, Blackwell Sailing and the RYA are working closely with the authorities to investigate the incident.”