A FOOTIE-mad dad has died after he collapsed in a gym, with his heartbroken family paying tribute.
Tim Sells, 47, was a coach at Whiststable Town FC and Tankerton, looking after the youngsters.
He suffered a cardiac arrest while doing a work out at Snap Fitness in Herne Bay, Kent.
Tim was rushed to the QEQM Hospital in Margate but he never regained consciousness and died three days later with his family at his bedside.
His death has also hit the local football community across the county where he was respected for his coaching skills and knowledge, KentOnline reports.
He also worked as a football development manager for Millwall FC Community Trust.
Tim, also known as “Sellsy” lived in Herne Bay along with his long-term partner Lisa Goodger and their children Cody, 13, and Demi, 10.
Tim and Lisa had been together for 15 years and got engaged on her 50th birthday, in May last year.
Paying tribute, a heartbroken Lisa said the family had been left in “unimaginable shock”.
She said: “The first we knew that anything was wrong was when a policeman arrived at our home in Talmead Road and said Tim had been rushed to hospital after collapsing at the gym.
“We expected to find him recovering, so it was an unimaginable shock to be told that he had suffered brain damage.”
Lisa added that doctors feared he would not regain consciousness and he died on August 20, surrounded by his family at his bedside.
The mum-of-two said: “One minute he was with us and the next he was gone.
“It was a horrific ordeal, which we are still struggling to come to terms with.”
Tim was brought up in Whitstable and went to St Anselm’s School in Canterbury.
He later attended the University of East London where he studied for a business degree.
His passion though was football and turned it into a job with roles at Gillingham, Crystal Palace and Millwall FC.
The club said it was “devastated” by Tim’s death
Community Trust CEO Sean Daly said: “Tim played a pivotal role in expanding the department into the leading sports provider across Lewisham and Southwark.
“His unwavering passion for nurturing both players and people shone through in every aspect of his work.”
Mr Daly added: “We are all devastated by the sudden loss of our friend and colleague.
“His kind-hearted nature touched everything he did. He was driven by a genuine desire to help others and make a positive impact.
“Regardless of background or circumstance, Tim always looked for ways to support others in reaching their goals.
“His warmth, generosity, and spirit will never be forgotten. He will be profoundly missed.”
During a radio interview in 2023, Tim said: “I see first-hand the impact our work has on the kids in the local community. I feel very blessed to do this role.
Tim, a QPR fan, met Lisa at the Monument pub in Canterbury, where she worked part-time behind the bar while he played for the pub team.
Lisa said: “He was kind, funny and a little quirky and we just hit it off. There wasn’t a bad bone in him.
“If he wasn’t coaching, playing or watching football, he was talking about it.”
In a post on Facebook, Dean Gonsalves, Tankerton FC’s youth teams club secretary wrote that Tim managed the club’s veterans side to success in the Kent County Cup and ran development sessions.
As well as that, Tim also mentored students from Canterbury Christ Church University and organised futsal programmes and summer schools along with coaching numerous teams.
Mr Gonsalves said: “Above all, he inspired players and coaches alike to get involved in grassroots football.
“We all like to think we know football but, when you spoke to Tim, you realised just how deep the game goes – and how much knowledge and passion he carried.
“A UEFA B-licensed coach, he also served as a mentor with the Kent FA, helping clubs and coaches across the county. He was simply brilliant.”
A spokesperson for Whitstable Town FC said Tim was “a huge part of the club in recent years”.
“His passion, commitment, and support for the teams he was involved with made him a familiar and respected figure to so many across local football.
“Above all, Tim was a friend – kind, genuine, and always willing to give his time for others.
“He will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him.”
Along with his family, Tim leaves three older sisters, Angela, Anne-Marie and Jennifer.
Anne-Marie said: “He was our baby brother and we are all heartbroken.”
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help support his family as well as to provide a long-term legacy in his honour.
His sister Angela said: “Losing Tim in these circumstances has been devastating for all concerned and it leaves you wondering what could have been done to prevent it.
“Many people have asked what they could do to help or support and this is something we have thought long and hard about.
“Please train in how to administer CPR because every second really does count. Statistics are low, but if received early, and properly, CPR supports higher chances of survival until medical support arrives.
“Our brother was stubborn, and his health wasn’t always a priority to him – we all know life gets busy.
“So, if you or your loved ones haven’t had a routine health check – get one. It is so easy.
“Blood pressure machines and checks at pharmacies could well save you or a loved one. Please don’t take your health for granted.”
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