Coronavirus has claimed the life of a 57-year-old man who had dedicated his time to helping and entertaining others.

Tributes are pouring in to Tim Mountford, from Margate, who was described as "a true friend to many".

He died in the town's QEQM Hospital on Sunday night, three weeks after contracting the deadly infection.

Mr Mountford, who lived in Cliftonville, was one of the founders of The Garden Gate Project - a community garden scheme in the town which helps support people with mental health and physical issues.

He was also a stalwart of the East Kent Cyclocross group, not only competing but helping compere and commentate on events, and a presenter on Deal Radio, where he was known as Tim Edwards.

An engineering designer by profession, he was a single man with no children. His family live in Rome and California.

Manager of the Garden Gate Project Paul Boyce says Mr Mountford will be sadly missed.

"He was one of the original people who helped to make the The Garden Gate Project what it is today," he said.

"He had a great rapport with all our attendees and was particularly supportive of those needing help in their lives outside the garden.

"This would involve anything from helping with hospital appointments, DIY in their homes, replying to letters and any other personal support they needed.

"He did it all in a very unassuming way, always playing down the help he gave people. He also was very active in the local community through football, music and cycling, and helped raise money for the project through public speaking.

|"He was a true friend to many people and will be greatly missed by all. Our thoughts are with his family and friends in these sad times."

Mr Boyce said they plan to create a memorial in the garden to Mr Mountford and hold a music day to remember him and celebrate his life when the coronavirus restrictions are lifted. |

There are also tributes on the East Kent Cyclocross Facebook page, where his death was revealed to members by one of the administrators.

He said: "It is with great sadness that I write to inform our East Kent Cyclo Cross family that our friend and club mate Tim Mountford has been taken from us by Covid-19, this evil virus has broken our hearts.

"You will know Tim, not only for his pink socks and racing at the back of the V50’s, but also for taking up microphone duties to bring the events to life with his commentary, interviews and music.

"A true friend, our thoughts are with Tim’s family and friends."

Mr Mountford was jazzhead presenter on Deal Radio, where fellow presenters also paid tribute to him.

Writing on their Facebook page, they said: "We are saddened to inform our listeners that Deal Radio family member and Jazzhead presenter Tim Edwards has passed away from coronavirus.

"We are shocked and will miss his laughter and smile around the studio. He will be missed by us all."

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