Tributes have been pouring in for a much-loved dad who tragically passed away just hours after visiting a walk-in centre. Paul McHugh, a 37 year old fitness instructor at Lifestyles Alsop Fitness Centre in Walton, died suddenly on Saturday, October 21.
Paul, who leaves behind his partner Megan and their four year old daughter Sienna, had played football that morning before heading to Anfield for the Liverpool v Everton derby. Feeling unwell later that day, he visited a walk-in centre, but sadly, an ambulance had to be called that night and he was rushed to Aintree University Hospital where he tragically passed away.
Since the news of Paul's death was first reported, hundreds of people have left heartfelt tributes to the beloved dad. 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."
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"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."
Jean-Jacques Sillito shared: "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."
Nicky Severs said: "Such a lovely person. You will be missed Paul, thank you for being such a good friend to Finley, he will miss you loads. Thinking of Megan, Sienna and his family."
Anita Pepper expressed: "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, speaking with Paul's mum's permission, remembered him as a "friend to everyone he worked with". Colin, who was Paul's manager and friend, added: "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."
After the sad news of his passing, hundreds shared their memories of him on social media. Nancy Fletcher, a colleague from Lifestyles, said: "God mate, you've left a massive void. You were truly a gentleman and a brilliant coach, always positive, always smiling, always cracking jokes and taking the p***."
"A beautiful soul with so much to live for, so much to give, it's just so unfair. My heart goes out to his girlfriend Megan, his daughter Sienna and his poor mother, brother and family."
Under an update from Lifestyles Fitness Centres, Kellie Owens wrote: "I'd like to say thanks to Paul for absolutely everything you have done for me. I couldn't even lift a weight properly or knew really what I was doing. You have helped me so much and pushed me further every week."
"He wasn't just my trainer, he was my friend and I'm going to miss him more than ever. My mate, one of Paul's favourite sayings was 'when you walk out those doors you're going to feel boss all day', and he was right. You would feel like a different person. His smile and his energy around the place was always there."
Colin told the ECHO that Lifestyles Alsop Fitness Centre has opened a memorial at the gym for people to share their memories of Paul. He mentioned that the family haven't announced when the funeral will be, but Paul's mum said it would be held at St Mary's Church, West Derby.
He added: "From seeing all the tributes online you can see how much of an impact he had on people's lives. There are bigger gyms than Lifestyles but people come for our staff. Paul was the best of us."
* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story.
