Footballer, fireman, runner and family man: A town remembers Balchie

And the tributes that have flowed following the passing of Paul Balch show the high regard in which he was held in everything he did.

Paul was diagnosed in June 2020 with a malignant brain tumour, Glioblastoma. He passed away from brain cancer, aged 51, last month.

His legacy will be ongoing campaigning and fundraising on behalf of those who are being treated for brain tumours.

Paul’s family have paid a heartfelt tribute to him shared with the Observer by his widow Sharon. It came amid numerous tributes paid by his former football team-mates and clubs (see below).

His family said: “Our lovely Paul was very popular and well-known to many people. He would do anything for anyone and always with a big smile on his face. He was the best husband and the greatest dad to Grace, Imogen and Max.

“We are a close family and did many things together. We will always treasure our memories of happy times. He made everything just that little bit better and filled our lives with love and laughter. He was kind and full of fun, his family meant everything to him and he meant the world to us. We are very lucky to have been loved by him.

“Paul was not only a fit, handsome and brave firefighter, he was an extremely talented sportsman. Throughout his life he has played football for many teams. He loved the camaraderie and made many friends.

“Paul also took part many times in the Hastings half marathon and achieved great finishing times. He really enjoyed running and loved to wave and say ‘hello’ to the crowds cheering him on. He raised money for St Michael’s Hospice and the Macmillan cancer charity when he ran the half marathon.

“He also set up a golf society – this was also a great passion of his. He loved his sport and he loved life.

“Throughout his short illness, Paul’s positivity was truly courageous. Paul’s legacy will be the raising of the much-needed money to enable more research into finding a cure for brain tumours, or for more effective treatment for brain tumour patients.

“It cost £2,740 for a day’s research at one of the centres. Please sign the petition for increased national investment into research to help find a cure for brain tumours. If there’s one thing you do today make it this.” Click here to read more and sign.

Paul’s family added: “Thousands of pounds have already been raised and we thank everyone for their charity events and for kindly donating. We will continue to raise money in memory of Paul.

“Sharon, Grace, Imogen and Max want to thank everyone who’s sent cards and messages and all the special people who helped us throughout the seven months.”