The wife of a one-armed gardener who lost his right arm in a motorbike crash has paid tribute to her ‘inspirational’ husband.

Alex di Piazza worked as a council groundsman for 25 years, after moving from Sicily when he was 18.

Over the years he worked at Royston Park in Sutton, Poulter Park in Mitcham, and Cuddington Rec in Worcester Park.

The father of two, who leaves behind five grandchildren and one great grandchild, was 67 when he died from lung cancer on September 26.

Mr Di Piazza, who was also suffering with a brain tumour, lost most of his right arm in a motorbike crash on Chelsea Bridge in 1968.

Though he could complete most gardening tasks with one arm, he would also use detachable gadgets in place of his missing limb - such as a metal hook to hold up wires, and a clamp to grip his shovel.

His wife Susan, 60, said: "He absolutely adored gardening. He was the kind of person who would rather be at work than be on holiday.

"Alex was absolutely amazing with one hand- he could tie his shoe laces, and even blow up a balloon and tie a knot it in.

"He was inspirational, and never saw himself as disabled. He was always upbeat."

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Susan and her late husband, with their son Luigi (left), and daughter Helen (right)

Mr Di Piazza moved to Carshalton Beeches in 1965, meeting Susan six years later in Epsom. He worked for Sutton Council as a groundsman.

She continued: "We were visiting a mutual friend in Ashtead and the pair of us hit it off straight away.

"We were married a year later."

Mr Di Piazza and his wife spent much of their life together living in the Banstead-end of Croydon Road, which leads into Carshalton.

They moved to Wallington after he retired.

Would you like to pay tribute to an inspiring family member or community figure? Call the news desk on 020 8722 6358, or email tom.gillespie@london.newsquest.co.uk