UK3 min(s) read
Published 10:25 01 Jan 2023 GMT
In what has been described as a "heartbreaking" loss, a dad suddenly died on Christmas Day just moments after laughing and joking around with his family.
Gareth Blenkins, better known to his loved ones as 'Gaz', from Leeds, United Kingdom, died of a suspected heart attack on December 25 while enjoying the festivities with members of his family in Cottingley.
According to local news outlet LeedsLive, the father-of-one had gone out to have a cigarette before coming back inside where the tragic incident took place.
His cousin, Damien Sharpe, told the outlet that Blenkins was "laughing and joking but then he just clutched his chest and fell to the floor and started having a fit."
The 40-year-old was immediately rushed to Leeds General Infirmary but Sharpe said by that time, it was "too late."
"His brain went for too long without oxygen," the heartbroken relative continued. "Unfortunately, he didn’t come round from it."
The news only becomes more tragic as Blenkins just recently celebrated his 40th birthday with his friends in Malaga, Spain last month.
He also leaves behind a 15-year-old son, who Sharpe said "he lived for."
"He was strong, he’d do anything for anybody, very protective. Sometimes he’d be quite shy but if he noticed you were sad, he’d always say ‘Do you need a Blenkins cuddle?’ I’ll never forget those words," the 42-year-old added.
A GoFundMe page has now been organized for the late painter and decorator and has already managed to raise £7,477, which is approximately $9,045.
Writing in the description, his cousin said: "If you knew Gareth or had any interaction with him you know how good he inside and out, how much he loved life and never hurt a fly...
"...As we all know life is hard sometimes and now with cost of living it’s even more expensive and we as a family cannot imagine life with our Gaz and how this devastating news has affected us all.
He continued, saying that due to the current cost of living crisis, the family is raising money to help with funeral expenses.
"...We know our gaz wouldn’t want to ask but we are wanting to raise funds to help toward his funeral cost, this isn’t a begging post or anything like that just a post to help for the family... We want to give him the best send off we possibly can and with your help we can maybe achieve this.
"If you can find it in you heart to donate towards this then we will be very appreciated..." (sic), he added.
Our thoughts are with the family during this difficult time.
