A head teacher who tragically died from a sudden heart attack had helped set up a charity after losing his own daughter to heart problems.

Darren Webb, executive headteacher of the Coppice Primary Partnership which runs Coxheath, Loose and St Katherine's, passed away on Monday afternoon.

KentOnline understands the 45-year-old was at school when he collapsed. He leaves behind his wife and two children.

Mr Webb also helped to set up a children's charity, Emilia's Little Heart, alongside his wife Claire, inspired by their daughter who passed away in 2011 after being diagnosed with heart complications. She also spent three months at the Evelina Children’s Hospital in London battling her condition.

The charity was founded by Mr Webb's wife, Claire, who is also a trustee.

Mr Webb, who is also a trustee wrote on the organisation's website: "My beautiful daughter continues to be the inspiration that guides me through life. I am incredibly proud to be a trustee of Emilia’s Little Heart Foundation and the tremendous work of the charity will make a huge difference to the well being of children who require treatment in hospital.

"Emilia’s determination to enjoy life was relentless and her cheeky smile and love for others will stay with me for ever. Her time in hospital was made better by the generosity of others and it is extremely comforting to know her charity will now ensure that other children get the chance to enjoy a variety of special moments at such a difficult time.

"I am fortunate to be a head teacher at a primary school in Kent and Emilia’s spirit drives me on to achieve the very best for all children. To be able to make such a difference to children’s lives is a rare and fulfilling opportunity that I am thrilled to be able to do this, both professionally and in my work for my daughter’s charity.

The charity aims to make the experience of children spending long periods of time in hospital as good as it can be.

Working with paediatric staff across Kent hospitals and at the Evelina London, Emilia's Little Heart looks to emotionally protect young people, reduce anxiety and help them cope with fears.

Toys, games and arts and crafts are distributed by the organisation, which also comes up with different ways to make medical situations less intimidating.

Mr Webb's work also meant Loose Primary School was held up as a shining example to UK policy makers.

Moving from West Malling CofE primary to Loose Primary in 2014, he also became executive head of Coxheath Primary School three years later.

Parents of Loose Primary have been sharing their tributes to a "phenomenal" man.

Alysha Edwards says how Mr Webb "didn't care about figures or test results", with his determination to work hard due to "purely, his love for all of the children."

She said: "He was lovely - kind, caring and supportive to all the parents. He loved the children - a headteacher who really cared about his pupils.

"Every sports day he always used to be the one the children would have to chuck the sponges at - that was always funny.

"The school also went through a bit of a bad spell and Mr Webb came and sorted it out in no time."

Ms Edwards is shocked by the news of Mr Webb's death.

She added: "It's really sad and you don't expect it to happen to someone so young.When I told my children what had happened this morning they were very upset because they really liked him.

Ahmad Sirajaheen described Mr Webb as a "fantastic person"

He said: "One of my personal experiences with him was when we requested a holiday for my daughter - who was a good student at school in terms of attendance - and rather than saying no, he politely said officially I will not approve it but I will not deny it [the request] as you have a good daughter who comes to school regularly.

"He was a kind person and a good leader."

Mr Sirajaheen added: "I couldn't believe it when I found out what happened."

Lollipop man, Christopher Wood ,who has been helping children to cross the road outside Loose Primary for around seven years said: "He used to say 'Alright, how you doing?' in the mornings and that's the most important thing really, that's what you want with a headteacher."

A grandmother who often picks up her grandchildren from the school said: "He was just an amazing human being. I remember so many things about him... he always joined in at the summer fete and things like that.

"The school as a whole has such good ethics, just like you'd want in a traditional school.

Another parent added: "It's the saddest news ever. He was phenomenal, I can't even put it into words - such a good example to the children. He stood by the school's ethos of 'potential is limitless'."

Find out how you can donate to the charity by clicking here.

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