Wayne Ellis collapsed on the field at Waterwells Primary Academy in Quedgeley while refereeing a tag rugby match, and has been remembered as a much-loved community champion and devoted father
A father who passed away unexpectedly at a primary school last week has been remembered as a ‘gentle giant’ who would ‘do anything for anyone’.
Wayne Ellis was just 48 years old when he collapsed on the school field at Waterwells Primary Academy in Quedgeley shortly after 4pm last Thursday, June 4.
He had been officiating a tag rugby match at the school moments before the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity was called to attend a medical emergency. Wayne could not be saved, and passed away at the scene.
Now, a fundraising page has been established in his memory, collecting more than £8,000 in just five days.
And Felicity Tucker, a close friend of Wayne and his partner Jen, who created the GoFundMe page, has honoured ‘silent hero’ Wayne, who was ‘just so giving and generous’.
Writing on the GoFundMe page, Felicity said: “Wayne was a much-loved and highly valued member of the Waterwells community. For many years, he dedicated countless hours to coaching the tag rugby team, and was also the Chair of the Friends of Waterwells PTA.
“He played a huge role in organising school events, including discos, summer fairs, and Christmas fairs. Wayne loved his music, enjoyed DJing, and was never shy of showing off a few dance moves. Rumour has it he even had a special role helping a certain man in red at Christmas time.
“His contributions didn’t stop there. Wayne regularly accompanied children on school trips, listened to readers, helped with maintenance tasks, and was always ready to lend a hand wherever it was needed. His kindness, generosity, and dedication seemed endless.
“In memory of Wayne, we are raising funds to help ease the financial burden on his family during this unimaginably difficult time. Donations will help cover funeral expenses and provide some practical support while Jen and the girls navigate the days, weeks, and months ahead.
“No amount can ever replace the loss of a husband, father, friend, and community champion, but we hope that by coming together we can help relieve some of the pressure and show the Ellis family just how loved and supported they are.”
Felicity also shared her personal memories of Wayne and his partner 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, reports Gloucestershire Live.
She reminisced: “It was just instant with the two of them. He was the love of her life, and to see her meet someone like that was wonderful. He loved her and cherished her and looked after her. He was a really kind guy, very cheeky. Just a gentle giant.”
Jenny, 44, has served as a teaching assistant at Waterwells Primary School for many years, and Wayne was equally recognised within the school community for his involvement in numerous voluntary activities. The couple’s youngest daughter, Molly, 11, also attended before beginning secondary school last year.
Felicity said: “He was huge at the school, he helped with everything. All the pupils knew him. He would do anything for anyone.
“This has affected so many of the parents, too. That’s why I set up this fundraising page, because so many parents were reaching out to the school asking if they could do anything.
“It’s just been a total shock, and you don’t prepare to have to have a funeral for someone at that age.
“Jenny has been so overwhelmed by everyone’s generosity, it’s just unbelievable. She’s so thankful, and it now means the family can say goodbye to Wayne without any financial pressure.”
It is believed that Wayne’s death was caused by a sudden cardiac arrest, although Felicity said he was healthy and was not aware of any underlying issues.
Wayne was also father to Lauren, 23, from a previous relationship, and had adopted a paternal role for Daisy, 21, Jenny’s daughter from a past relationship.
Felicity said: “He took Daisy on, he was dad to her, too. He was her rock. Hopefully there will be some money left over from this fundraiser to go to the girls, too.”
To donate to Wayne’s memorial page, visit here.
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