Tributes have been paid to a “happy-go-lucky” granddad obsessed with football who died from an undiagnosed disease.

Friends and family of Geoffrey Godden held a charity match earlier this month in honour of the 70-year-old.

The footy fanatic lived in Lower Halstow and was described as kind, caring and dedicated to his family.

“He would talk to anyone. He was very proud of his grandchildren and supported them,” said Lindsay Godden, his daughter-in-law.

“He was never angry, but just a happy-go-lucky type of person.”

Geoff worked at Milton Pipes in Sittingbourne for more than 40 years before retiring.

Throughout his life, he dedicated his free time to helping out at different football clubs.

His love for it began when his son Kraig started to play for a youth team called Swale Magpies.

“He was football-crazy,” Lindsay explained. “That was probably his biggest passion.

“As well as volunteering as a coach, he began referee training and spent many weekends watching games.

“When Kraig moved to Sittingbourne FC academy he continued to support the ground staff at Central Park Stadium.”

“He also joined Sheppey Football Club because my nephew played there,” the 40-year-old added.

“My sister-in-law worked at Chatham Town and he'd do anything he could to help.

“It could be mowing the grass, marking out the lines or cleaning windows in the clubhouse. He would do whatever he could just to keep his hand in and be a part of it.”

In May last year, Geoff was diagnosed with bowel cancer and underwent surgery in October, where doctors were able to remove the tumour.

The 70-year-old started his chemotherapy treatment in January this year and it helped shrink what was left, stopping it from spreading.

However, the family was told he would never be rid of the disease but instead would have to keep it at bay.

“He would do whatever he could just to keep his hand in and be a part of it...”

Lindsay said: “He then started having breathing problems with his chest and kept deteriorating.

“We had a nurse come out to visit – they were querying if he had sepsis and called an ambulance.

“But instead he had pneumonia. He'd got pulmonary fibrosis, which had never been diagnosed and was end-stage.

“We literally had 24 hours and then he passed. It was very unexpected and quite traumatic for the family in the end.”

Pulmonary fibrosis causes scarring on the lungs, which makes it difficult to breathe and absorb oxygen into the bloodstream.

Geoff died on Thursday, August 8. He leaves behind his wife of 48 years, Debbie, two children Kraig and Kerri, as well as four grandchildren Regan, Riley, Harley and Kian.

Last Friday (October 4), a charity football match was held at Chatham Town FC.

It was to raise money for Sheppey Hospital League of Friends, which works alongside and supports the hospital.

The organisation helps raise money to provide extra items or support for patients, visitors and sometimes staff.

Recently it funded several observation kits for therapists in the community.

One of the therapists assisted Geoff when he was suffering from shortness of breath and was able to check his oxygen level with the new piece of equipment.

For the match, friends and family made up the teams. It was the former Swale Magpies vs Geoff’s referee buddies.

Lindsay added: “It was amazing. We were really surprised. Everyone was there that knew him and the place was super busy.

“The person behind the bar said to us it felt like a match day – we had completely sold out of tickets.”

A total of £2,500 was raised via a raffle on the day and donations on the door.

The charity is looking for new volunteers.

If you’d like to help, visit the League of Friends shop inside Sheppey Community Hospital.