Tributes have been pouring in for a beloved dad, teacher and football coach who has passed away aged just 30.

Oliver 'Ollie' Slack died last Saturday, February 25 after being admitted to Medway Maritime Hospital in Gillingham with suspected meningitis, but was then diagnosed with a sinus bacterial infection which travelled up to his brain.

His parents, wife, friends, and former pupils have shared their sadness and love for the young teacher, who worked at Deanwood Primary School, in Rainham.

Ollie was born in Chatham and grew up in Walderslade with his parents Diana and Paul Slack, and his younger brother Connor.

He was a pupil at Maundene Primary School, which is where he met his inspiration, teacher Darren Callahan.

It was thanks to him that Ollie decided that teaching was what he wanted to do later in life.

The former Maundene and Greenacre Academy pupil went on to study English and PE at Canterbury Christ Church University in 2010, and during his time there he would coach grassroots football teams with his father and brother.

He only gave it up because of the pressures of university and studying, but he was a keen footballer and goalkeeper. The English graduate played in various local teams and also did some goalkeeping training with Chelsea FC.

After working at Cedar Children's Academy in Strood from 2013, Ollie started a new teaching job at Deanwood Primary in 2015 and had worked there ever since.

His mother Diana recalled her son's last days, saying nobody could have imagined what would follow.

She said: "Ollie had been having this headache for a few days, but Ollie being Ollie, he didn't want to take any medication or anything like that.

"He also had a bit of a stuffy nose for about a week. But when you're a teacher, it's a risk of the job – you pick up all their bugs and colds and what not. So he hadn't thought anything of it.

"On the Saturday he started having a really bad headache, which carried on to the Sunday and did not get any better but he still just thought it wasn't anything serious.

"Monday was when he started getting a bit confused, twisting a few words and not quite behaving like he usually does. So Chloe, his wife, rang me and called an ambulance.

"He was conscious the whole way, to the point he walked to the ambulance himself. I followed the ambulance but by the time I got there he was already on oxygen because he'd deteriorated on the way to the hospital.

"By the time we got in, he was already heavily sedated and on a ventilator and he never regained consciousness."

Mrs Slack, 60, said doctors had initially suspected he had meningitis because Ollie had a sore neck, but it was a sinus infection which had travelled up towards his brain in a sinus cavity.

Once in the brain, the bacteria caused blood clots and led Ollie's brain to swell to such point there was no way back.

Ollie leaves behind his parents and brother, as well as wife Chloe, his two-year-old daughter Willow, and five-month-old Isaac.

Mrs Slack said: "We are now learning how to live without him. It is a very slow process, and we are just trying to take it one day at a time.

"It is a shame our grandchildren are so young because they will not remember their father. But we will always have a piece of him in them, and that comforts us.

"Ollie was just a big gentle giant, happy to help anybody, with a great sense of humour.

"He would put others before himself. He was a marvellous son, a wonderful and devoted husband, and he adored his children. His children were his life, and he had a real passion for education and the children he taught.

"We have received countless messages from his former students and parents, who simply adored him.

"I believe the school's got a little memorial for him now, and the children have left flowers and cards and lovely tributes."

Dad Paul added: "I get stopped by so many people in the street when I'm getting the dogs out for a walk, people saying how sorry they are and how great Ollie was.

"He was an enormous Liverpool fan as well, and we believe the team will be doing a tribute to him at one of their upcoming matches."

Ollie has left an enormous legacy across all the places he studied, taught, and lived.

Jane Wright, head of school at Deanwood Primary, said: "Mr Slack was a gifted teacher and leader. He was a kind and compassionate person who loved working at Deanwood and being part of the Deanwood school community.

"He was committed to ensuring that every child at Deanwood Primary School had the best possible education.

"In addition to his teaching responsibilities Mr Slack was an assistant head teacher and worked across the school, being well known by children and families within the Deanwood community.

"Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his loved ones at this time."

A tribute from Newington Cricket Club, where Ollie played, read: "Even though he was only with the club a short time he was much liked and will be greatly missed.

"The club has made a donation to a GoFundMe page created by a family friend.

"Newington CC are also pleased to announce that our Cricket Week fixture in August against one of Ollie’s previous clubs, Sherwood CC, will be used as a fundraiser for Ollie’s family. Our thoughts are with Ollie’s family and friends."

Lordswood Leisure Centre, where Ollie had worked as a duty manager, also published a tribute, saying: "The Lordswood Leisure Centre team are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of one of our ex-staff members who left us far too soon.

"Many of you would likely remember Ollie as one of our duty managers who always went above and beyond to deliver his excellent level of customer service, and always with smiles and laughter. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family."

Former students have commented under Mrs Slack's tribute posts, with one saying: "An absolutely amazing teacher! So grateful to have been taught by you in Year 5 and 6. You did so much for me and my brother; will forever be grateful. You will be missed by many. Rip Mr Slack."

Another added: "One of the best. I am privileged to have called him my friend. An amazing man, teacher and mentor to me. Sorely missed and always in my heart."

Ollie's lifelong friend Daniel Redding has created a fundraiser to support the Slack family.

To make a donation, click here.

He said: "Ollie dedicated his life really to helping and educating children. The only thing that could possibly match his passion for teaching and educating was his obsession with football and whilst we were teenagers ourselves, Ollie was already teaching children how to play.

"He took those skills and went on to become a teacher, much loved and respected helping even more children along the way.

"The reason for this page is Ollie leaves such a legacy for so many children, that we want to try and support his own wife and children in return for the efforts he made for others.

"Ollie was a much-loved friend, son and also uncle and husband. His two young children Willow and Isaac who are both under three years old deserve to see how much their dad was thought of."

Ollie's funeral is yet to be arranged.