A DEVOTED father-of-three has died of a massive heart attack after going into hospital for treatment to his foot.
Barman Antony Garth, who was just 36, suffered blood clots in his legs, which caused one of his toes to go black.
Doctors at Hull Royal Infirmary realised Antony, of North Bransholme, had suffered a mild heart attack and he was transferred to Castle Hill Hospital, where he suffered the fatal heart attack.
His brother Ian, 35, also of North Bransholme, said his sudden death has hit the family hard.
He said: "It has come as a huge shock to us. The whole family is just devastated."
Antony, known as "Garfy" to his friends, worked part-time at Skippers Tavern on the estate, while helping out at popular youth organisation Bransholme Buddies.
Ian said: "He went into hospital with his foot. One of his toes had turned black.
"Doctors said it was caused by some blood clots in his leg. They did some tests and found he'd suffered a heart attack."
Antony was transferred to Castle Hill Hospital on October 16 and was undergoing treatment for his condition when he suffered the fatal heart attack on November 18.
Ian said his brother, who was divorced from childhood sweetheart, Lynsey Irvin, was a loving father to Toby, ten, Thomas, 14, and Joshua, 17.
"Antony loved his kids and was a great dad," said Ian.
"He was still on good terms with Lynsey – they got together when they were young teenagers."
Ian said Antony was "very well known" in North Bransholme, due to his jobs.
"He was a very popular barman at Skippers," he said. "Everyone there is devastated at what has happened.
"I've heard the regulars and staff have had a collection."
Antony also enjoyed working with Bransholme Buddies, which provides a mobile youth club for the estate.
"Antony loved both his jobs," Ian said. "He was very well respected by everyone."
Janet Mageee, landlady of Skippers Tavern in Grampian Way, Bransholme, said: "Antony was a lovely lad. He was always there to help me if I ever needed him.
"It's such a sad time and he will be really missed in this place."
Janet said staff and regulars had organised a whip-round for his family.
"Antony was an avid Hull FC fan, so we have gone out and bought new shirts for his three children," she said.
"We've also got a Hull FC wreath for the funeral."
Dean Gamble, who worked with Antony at Bransholme Buddies, also paid tribute.
He said: "Antony was a colourful and cheerful character and was always laughing and joking. He was just a great person.
"The kids on the estate really respected him. It's a big loss to the team and he will be truly missed by a lot of people."
The brothers' parents, Jennifer and Mervyn Garth, are deceased.
Antony's funeral was taking place at 11.30am today in the large chapel at Chanterlands Avenue crematorium.
A collection will be held for the British Heart Foundation.
After the service, a celebration of Antony's life will be held at Skippers Tavern.
