A family has been left devastated after a loving and devoted dad died suddenly after suffering from strange, ‘flu-like symptoms’.
Kevin Ingham, 58, suffered an unexpected cardiac arrest and died during the night on October 11 after showing no prior signs of serious illness.
A cardiac arrest is when a person’s heart stops beating and therefore pumping blood around the body.
Without treatment in the form of CPR, it can result in death within minutes.
Kevin's partner Sue told the Liverpool Echo that he had complained of feeling under the weather during the night and experiencing flu-like symptoms.
Sue said he became “emotional”, before feeling faint and finally collapsing.
Despite calling the paramedics, who worked tirelessly to try and revive Kevin, he passed away that evening.
Sue said: "He was gone in the blink of an eye."
Kevin, who was a doting father and grandfather, worked as an operations manager across care homes, was said to have dedicated much of his life to helping others.
He spent the last 20 years supporting young people and over 2 years of his life solely volunteering.
Sue described how the family were stunned when over 300 people showed up to offer their support at Kevin’s funeral.
She said: "[People came] from all over the place, who he touched in one way or another either through work or personal relationships. He should've been a local councillor."
Kevin's daughter, Alice, described her dad as always putting the community first as "it was always just something he was passionate about."
As the family grieve their devastating and sudden loss, they have decided to launch a fundraiser in Kevin’s memory and to try and help other vulnerable people through the charity An Hour for Others who they are donating the proceeds to.
An Hour For Others is based in Liverpool and develops programmes, initiatives and activities to support people and help them to lead successful and fulfilling lives - a cause Kevin felt passionate about, according to his family.
They have already raised £1500 from generous donations.
Sue said: "[Kevin] didn't look for glory, he just liked to help people in everyday life. He even helped young people in the off licence, he gave a young lad a job.
"Kevin would be talking to them and they all came to his funeral because they remember what an inspiration he was in their difficult years.
"We were very involved in the church, he loved cooking and was in the bike club." He leaves behind his loving partner Sue, daughters Alice and Rosie and family and friends.
