Football coach dad died of heart attack in front of 12-year-old son at game on Father’s Day
Donny Sinclair had just asked his son to pass him a Lucozade when he collapsed during the 'fathers and sons' match
A father collapsed and died in front of his 12-year-old son while playing alongside him in a special Father's Day football match.
Footy coach and swimming teacher Donny Sinclair, 49, had a heart attack while playing in the game with his son Cameron.
A lifelong Celtic fan from Glasgow, he had asked Cameron to fetch him a Lucozade but when his son turned around he had fallen to the ground.
Families watched in horror as first aiders and paramedics tried to save his life.
When wife Vicky arrived at the scene a few minutes later in Newhaven, East Sussex, with daughters Katrina, 9, and Tabitha, 6, she said she instantly knew he was gone.
The game was played at Denton and Sough Heighton Junior Football Club where Donny coached.
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Speaking of the Father's Day tragedy, family friend Paula Woolven said: "They were having a father-son kick-about. Football was the thing Donny and Cam did together.
"The last thing he said to Cam was 'get me a Lucozade'. He turned around and his dad had fallen on the floor.
"Cam is just the bravest little man. Twenty minutes before he died Donny had presented Cam with a trophy for being the most improved player.
"In five years of coaching him he had never given him a trophy because you go harder on your own kids. Donny couldn't have been prouder of him.
"Donny had two grown up daughters but when he had a little boy he was just so excited they could play football together."
Paula said Vicky had been "stronger than she knows" in helping her children come to terms with the loss of their beloved father.
She added: "With four little children you just have to put the breakfast on the table, but the level of support has been amazing.
"The two little ones keep asking where dad is and she keeps saying 'he's not coming come.' Katrina understands and she's just very quiet."
She went on: "I have known Donny and his family for fifteen years and am staggered by the sudden passing of our good friend - we can't quite believe he's gone.
"Donny taught many young people and adults to swim at the Peacehaven swimming pool and he was a lifelong Celtic fan as he grew up in Glasgow.
"He was also a season ticket holder at Brighton and Hove Albion after moving to the South Coast twenty years ago and adopted the Seagulls as his 'local' team.
"Family and friends are devastated by the sudden loss. Donny was larger than life and the driving force behind many community initiatives - always with a smile and a helping hand.
"Nothing was ever too much trouble for him, and his four young children will grow up without their wonderful father, but so many people loved and respected him, he will never be forgotten."
Donny's pupils and the family's friends have been rallying around to support them and a fund has been set up to help Vicky with funeral costs and other expenses.