The family of a hardworking and loving dad have been left devastated after he suffered a heart attack and died aged just 46.

Mark Ellul, who lived in Walmer, Deal, was a former police officer and more recently ran a business in the town.

His family, including his wife Jackie, daughter Mia, 15 and stepdaughter Megan, 26, are in “unbearable pain” following the tragedy.

Mark’s sister Julia Hannaford told KentOnline his sudden and unexpected death has left a “gaping hole in the hearts of those who knew him”.

She remembers her brother as incredibly hardworking and someone who embodied the values of “loyalty, kindness, and integrity”.

“Mark was one of life’s true gentlemen,” she said.

“He was genuine, kind, loyal, handsome, had a great sense of humour, and always had a lovely smile on his face. He had a heart of gold and never spoke a bad word about anybody.

“His connection with his family was the cornerstone of his life, and he was the life and soul of any gathering, always ready to lend a helping hand or share a laugh.

“Mark was an incredibly hardworking man. He took great pride in his work and was definitely a perfectionist.”

Six years ago, he launched his own business, Marked Improvement Headlight Restoration in Walmer and would travel miles if anyone wanted his services.

What began as a part-time endeavour in August 2018 turned into a full-time passion after he left the police force in May 2021, where he had served for 13 years.

Mark also dabbled in acting, taking on roles as an extra in various television productions. He appeared as a policeman in Enola Holmes, a prisoner in Deceit, a scaffolder in The Crown and many more.

Julia, along with sister Samantha Malcolm, mother Sheila Turner, stepfather Richard Turner, both of his brothers-in-law, Robert Hannaford and Stewart Malcolm, and nephew Ewan, are still reeling from the death of “such a great man” on Saturday, August 10.

She added: “He was always there for his family.

“The pain we are suffering from losing Mark is unbearable.

“We still can't believe it's happened. We are all shocked and saddened by the tragic sudden passing of such a great man.

“He gave his time willingly to others to try and help where he could.”

The Deal & Walmer Chamber of Trade has also paid tribute to Mark.

A spokesperson said: “We are incredibly sad to announce the recent passing of Mark Ellul.

“He was a most enthusiastic member of the Chamber and always a friendly face at our networking meetings.

“Many of you who met Mark would know what a genuine, friendly, kind and hardworking man he was.

“Our thoughts are with all who knew and loved Mark.”

Julia, who lives in Devon, has set up a JustGiving page, with money raised going to the British Heart Foundation (BHF).

According to the BHF, more than 170,000 people die from a heart attack in the UK each year - one person every three minutes.

So far, more than £400 has been raised.

Julia added: “We don’t want another family to have to go through the same pain and loss in such a sudden way.

“The BHF has helped halve the number of people dying from heart and circulatory disease in the UK but sadly every day hundreds of people lose their lives.

“It's only thanks to support from people like us that the BHF can create new treatments and discover new cures.

“£24 could pay for two hours of research by an early career scientist, but every pound helps.”

Mark’s funeral is set to take place on Friday, September 13, at Barham Crematorium at 3pm.