THE WIFE of a St Albans man, who was killed in a car crash on the M25, has paid tribute to her beloved husband.

Stephen Greaves was driving a red Ford Focus when it crashed into the central reservation between Junctions 24 (Potters Bar) and 23 (South Mimms) at around 7pm on December 19.

The 49-year-old was married to Alison and the pair had been together for 23 years. They have two children, a boy and a girl.

Stephen, who was one of nine children, grew up in St Albans and attended Marshalswick Boys' School.

In 1971, when Stephen was just 13, he set the world record for his age group for the 800 metres at 1min and 59.4 seconds. He held this record into his early 40s.

Alison said: "Stephen never told anyone about this. He didn't like to boast. He was happy he had achieved it. He was a proud, but modest man."

After school, he began an apprenticeship as a carpenter in St Albans.

He went on to work for Barnet Council and later at Haringey Council, where he stayed for 27 years looking after the borough's housing stock as an operational surveying manager. He was also training to become a counsellor.

"Stephen always knew the right thing to say," said Alison. "He was open, non-judgemental and didn't expect anything from anyone. He had a very positive energy and made people feel better about themselves."

In his spare time, Stephen was a huge football fan, having a life membership at Tottenham Hotspur. He was also actively involved in supporting London Colney Colts football club.

"Stephen loved watching and playing football. He would play with our neighbours in a local team," added Alison.

"He also loved dancing and Ibiza was his spiritual home. He liked the big clubs like Pacha and Amnesia and would dance through the night.

"He loved to celebrate. His friends used to call him max-a-million' as he would always be popping champagne. He was very generous.

"Stephen loved life. He knew who he was and what he wanted from life. He was a family man and a loving son and father.

"He wore his heart on his sleeve, and wasn't afraid to let his feelings be known."