Bowers Gifford death: Tributes paid to grandad after heart attack

Friends and family of Chris Wilkes have described him as “the life of the party” following his death in Bowers Gifford on Sunday.

The 64-year-old was spending time with his family at the “picnic in the park” event organised by Bowers Gifford and North Benfleet Parish Council in Westlake Park.

Tributes - Chris Wilkes

But tragically the grandad suffered a heart attack, and despite efforts from members of the public, police officers and an air ambulance crew, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Mr Wilkes is survived by his partner Hazel, five children and eight grandchildren.

His son Lewis Wilkes said he died surrounded by his entire family, who had all managed to attend the event.

He said: “He was a character full of life.

“He would be the first person to turn up in fancy dress in a charity event.

“He was always the life of the party, everyone knew him and everyone is in agreement he will be sorely missed.

Dancer - Chris dancing with his partner Hazel

Mr Wilkes, from Highlands Road, was a builder-decorator by trade and also the chairman of the Benbow Club in Bowers Gifford.

An air ambulance was recorded flying into the field at 2pm to help Mr Wilkes.

Lewis Wilkes thanked everyone who came to his father’s aid on the day.

He added: “People were holding up blankets as courtesy.

“We had a lady who works in ICU who was a long time family friend who was essentially a first responder. We had police who got us defibrillators extremely quickly.”

A parish council spokesman said: “Chris was a well-known and well-liked member of our community with big personality and ready laugh.

“The Parish Council send their heartfelt condolences to all Chris’s large family who were also with him at the event. They would also like to thank the members of the community who supported the medical teams in their efforts to revive Chris.”

Emergency - The air ambulance landing at the scene