A ‘loving’ father-of-one who was ‘laughing an joking’ on Christmas day, died of a suspected coronary heart assault moments after going out for a cigarette.
Gareth Blenkins, from Armley, Leeds, was rushed to Leeds Normal Infirmary after clutching his chest and falling to the bottom on December 25.
The Leeds man had simply nipped outdoors for a cigarette as celebrations in Cottingley had winded down, however instantly had a match on returning inside, his cousin Damien Sharpe recalled.
Regardless of the household’s finest efforts to hurry Gareth to hospital, Damien stated tearfully that ‘it was too late’.
Gareth Blenkins, 40, died on Christmas following a suspected coronary heart assault whereas having fun with the day in Cottingley
The 42-year-old added: ‘His mind went for too lengthy with out oxygen. Sadly, he did not come spherical from it.’
The daddy has left behind a 15-year-old son who Damien stated he ‘lived for’.
The devastated cousin spoke of how a lot of a ‘loving’ father the 40-year-old painter and decorator was.
He continued: ‘He was sturdy, he’d do something for anyone, very protecting. Typically he’d be fairly shy but when he seen you had been unhappy, he’d all the time say ‘Do you want a Blenkins cuddle?’ I will always remember these phrases.’
Damien additionally stated Gareth was like a bit of a brother to him as they had been raised collectively.
He added that the Armley man had simply celebrated his fortieth birthday together with his buddies in Malaga solely final month.
The 40-year-old instantly clutched his chest and fell to the ground whereas having a match, his tearful cousin Damien Sharpe recalled. Pictured: Gareth Blenkins together with his sister Siobhan
Damien, who works as a lorry driver, has now launched a GoFundMe enchantment to assist elevate cash for Gareth’s funeral.
It was stated that Gareth had put all his cash in the direction of his son and had not ready any life insurance coverage or means to pay for a funeral.
He stated: ‘I do know he was liked and I do know he touched lots of people’s hearts. I simply need to assist the household out – particularly with this taking place over Christmas. No one anticipated this to occur.’
