Former PC died after severe allergic reaction

Mr Woollard, who was based in Highworth, went to A & E with a swollen lip on March 4, brought on by a severe allergic reaction. He died on the morning of Sunday, March 6.

“We were unaware that after his first allergic reaction, subsequent reactions can be more severe, leading to anaphylaxis which can be fatal and tragically this was the case with Paul,” said his wife, Lisa.

“Our beloved Paul was a kind, sensitive and loyal person to all those he met and knew, both in his job as a police officer and most of all to his family and friends.".

Mr Woollard was dismissed from the police force in 2012 after allegations that he had sent work e-mails to sex offender Robert Mead.

However, he appealed to the Police Appeals Tribunal and was cleared to work.

“It was this unconditional loyalty and misplaced trust in a childhood friend of 20 plus years that was typical of Paul,” said Lisa.

“A friend reached out to Paul in a time of need and Paul tried to help,” she said.

“His friend was accused of a sexual offence. Paul was as appalled as anyone else at the accusations, but he trusted his friend and stood by the basic legal tenant that someone is innocent until proven guilty.

“However, once all the facts came to light, Paul immediately severed his friendship and all contact with the individual," she said.

"The inappropriate locker room texting and jokes that went on between him and his friend did happen, but it happened during the course of their friendship, before this man even committed the offence.

“Sadly it was too late for Paul who lost his career, and all that he worked so hard to build and achieve over 18 exemplary years in the police force.

“Although Paul was eventually reinstated the force felt public confidence was destroyed so he never returned. The only thing Paul was ever guilty of was being a good, loyal friend.”

Lisa says that despite the devastating consequences of his dismissal, Paul continued to help and trust others and was the first to offer his help and support to anyone in need.

“That takes courage and a special kind of person.

“In return, Paul had a loving family and countless friends, which was more than evident at his funeral with the number of people who came to show their love, tears, respect and share their fond memories.

Lisa said Paul had been an “amazing father and friend” to their two girls.

In paying a tribute to their dad at the funeral the girls said: “There is an old saying: ‘We don’t know how much we love someone until we lose them,’ well that is something we have learned the hard way.

“We loved our dad more than anything and to be honest he was our best friend as well as the best dad. No matter what mood we or anyone else was in he knew how to make us laugh, smile and even cringe all at the same time.

“Although we wish we had more time to create many more memories with Dad we have many wonderful memories we will treasure forever.

“We love you dad so much and we are very proud of you and will miss you more than we can say. Rest in peace our hero and idol who touched many lives.”

One of the things Paul is most remembered for said Lisa is making memories’ with his family: “No matter what we were doing together, whether it was just walking the dogs, baking cakes (well we baked and he ate) or getting on a plane to our favourite holiday destination Florida, he would turn to us and ask: ‘What are we doing?’ We would raise our eyebrows with a smile and for the hundredth time shout: ‘MAKING MEMORIES!’

“There wasn’t a day that went by he didn’t ask us that question, because he never believed there were any bad memories when you were making them with your family.”

“We miss his love and laughter and our family life will never be complete until we meet again.”

Anyone who suffers from any form of allergy should visit www.anaphylaxis.org.uk for further information about the dangers of anaphylaxis and allergies.