Tributes have been paid to a much-loved dad who died hours after attending an NHS walk-in medical centre.
Fitness instructor Paul McHugh died on Saturday, October 21, aged just 37. He leaves behind a partner, Megan, and daughter, Sienna, aged four.
The instructor at Lifestyles Alsop Fitness Centre in Walton had played football in the morning and then gone to Anfield to see his beloved Liverpool take on Everton in the Merseyside derby, but had complained of feeling unwell all day.
He went to the walk-in centre, then went home, but later that night an ambulance had to be called and he was taken to Aintree University Hospital, where he tragically died that night.
Since the announcement of his death, hundreds of people have left tributes to the much-loved dad, who had helped countless people through his job, reports the ECHO.
Michelle Owen said: "Such a beautiful person, loved our circuit and spinning classes and you even motivated us in the gym and that wasn't easy. Always chatty, welcoming and with a big smile on your face.
"Everyone loved you and loved coming to your classes. Just won't be the same. Thinking of your family, Sienna and Megan. RIP Paul, forever young."
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Jean-Jacques Sillito said: "I worked with Paul for years at Wavertree Lifestyles. His energy and passion resonated strongly out from his being. As a coach, his motivation, commitment and drive came from a real and sincere place and that's why he is so loved. As a human he will always be a shining light for a better tomorrow."
Anita Pepper wrote: "Always happy with that big smile, he touched a lot of hearts and was an inspiration to so many people. Thinking of all Paul's loved ones and his colleagues at Lifestyles. Just so, so sad." Le On added: "An amazing, influential, beautiful man. Will be missed by so many. Thanks for the laughs and encouragement, big man."
Colin Campbell, manager at Lifestyles Alsop Fitness Centre, said: "Paul was a friend to everyone he worked with. He was always checking in with people outside the gym and asked them to give him a call if they needed anything. He had a really positive energy and was great to be around.
"I was always telling him 'please send me some of that energy'. He worked here for 14 years - he was part of the furniture. He had such a big personality. He was a bit of a wind-up, always cracking jokes and smiling. We're all really close at this centre. It's like a family."
Colin said the fitness centre has since opened a memorial at the gym so people can come and share their memories of Paul. Exact details of the funeral have not been confirmed, although his family said it will be held at St Mary's Church, West Derby.
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