A Tankerton gym owner has died after suffering severe head injuries in a freak weightlifting accident.

Father-of-two Tony Leigh, 47, owner of the Flex Appeal gym in Tankerton Road, was rushed to hospital but died after a six-day battle in intensive care.

It is believed he had been lifting a barbell when it slipped and fell on his face at a gym in Tilbury.

Flex Appeal worker and friend Matt Jones said: “Initially doctors didn’t know the extent of his brain damage. It didn’t become apparent until shortly before he died.

“Everybody’s just numb and in shock. No one can quite believe what has happened.

“Tony was such a popular guy and anyone who met him wanted to be his mate.”

Known as Manchester Tony because of his roots, Tony was doing security work in Tilbury at the time of the accident on Wednesday, October 7.

He was rushed to Basildon hospital but died last Tuesday (October 13).

Full story in this week’s Whitstable Gazette