A GRIEVING father died after collapsing at the gym — just 24 hours after marking the first anniversary of his son’s death from skin cancer.

Jess Tonge was working out when he became ill.

The 61-year-old father of three was taken to the Royal Bolton Hospital where he was pronounced him dead.

His death on Monday, was a second tragic blow to the family in the space of 12 months.

On Sunday, Mr Tonge and his family had marked the anniversary of the death of Paul, who died at the age 26 last November.

Mr Tonge’s wife, Helen, aged 60, said: “Jess was my rock and a loving father, with a fantastic sense of humour.”

After his son’s death, Mr Tonge, from Astley Bridge, became a keen supporter of Factor 50, a charity which raises money for research into malignant melanoma.

In June, he dusted off his rugby boots and took to the pitch for a special charity rugby match in memory of Paul at a Bolton Rugby Club fun day.

Both father and son were keen rugby fans and would watch the Sale Sharks together. They had both played in the first team at Bolton Rugby Club.

Mr Tonge discovered recently that, along with other events held in memory of his son, £7,000 had been raised for Factor 50. He handed a cheque over to charity representatives at a special evening.

Accepting the cheque of behalf of Factor 50, Sale Sharks player Oriol Ripol said: “Paul’s family have been truly amazing. The loss of a son is enough for any family to cope with, but to get involved in something so worthwhile has to be regarded very highly.”

Mrs Tonge, said: “He was really proud of the money raised in memory of Paul.

“The day at the rugby club was so uplifting because it showed how much people supported Paul.

“He knew how important it was to support this charity to find a cure. So little is known about malignant melanoma and what triggers it.”

Mr Tonge grew up in Swinton and moved to Bolton in 1973 after marrying Helen. They also have a son, Steven, aged 29, and daughter Clare, aged 24.

Mr Tonge worked as a plumber and gas fitter.

Mrs Tonge said: “Jess was so proud and supportive of his children.

“Paul and Jess were both on the same wavelength, they were friends.

“Jess stayed strong after Paul, but you could see in his eyes he was heartbroken. Supporting Factor 50 was for us trying to do something positive out of what had happened.”

Mrs Tonge will continue to campaign on behalf of the charity.

She said: “It is what Jess would have wanted. We will be asking for donations for Factor 50 in lieu of flowers.”

A post-mortem examination will be held to establish the cause of death.