A father who died unexpectedly at a primary school has been remembered as a 'gentle giant' who would 'do anything for anyone'. Wayne Ellis, 48, collapsed on the field at Waterwells Primary Academy in Quedgeley shortly after 4pm on Thursday, June 4. He had been refereeing a tag rugby match when the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity was called, but he could not be saved.
Fundraising Page Raises Over £8,000
A fundraising page set up in his memory has collected more than £8,000 in just five days. Felicity Tucker, a close friend of Wayne and his partner Jen, created the GoFundMe page to support the family. She described Wayne as a 'silent hero' who was 'just so giving and generous'.
Community Champion
Wayne was a much-loved member of the Waterwells community. He coached the tag rugby team, chaired the Friends of Waterwells PTA, and helped organize school events like discos and fairs. He also accompanied children on trips, listened to readers, and helped with maintenance tasks. His kindness and dedication seemed endless.
Felicity shared personal memories of Wayne and Jenny, having known them throughout their 15-year relationship. She even played cupid by encouraging Jenny to join a dating site, where she met Wayne. 'It was just instant with the two of them. He was the love of her life,' she said.
Jenny, 44, works as a teaching assistant at the school, and the couple's youngest daughter, Molly, 11, attended before starting secondary school. Wayne also had a daughter, Lauren, 23, from a previous relationship, and adopted a paternal role for Daisy, 21, Jenny's daughter.
Cause of Death
It is believed Wayne died from a sudden cardiac arrest. Felicity noted he was healthy and unaware of any underlying issues. The fundraiser aims to cover funeral expenses and provide support for the family.
