TRIBUTES have been pouring in for a philanthropic gym owner who died suddenly aged 48.
Graeme Hussey, from Stainton Grove, was renowned for “putting others before himself” but few realised the full extent of the committed Christian’s charitable nature.
Not only did he give ten per cent of all his earnings to St Mary’s Church, in Barnard Castle, each Christmas, but he also gave countless anonymous donations to people in need. At Christmas he often bought a trolley load of toys to give anonymously to charity so children wouldn’t go without.
Mr Hussey was the owner and manager of Brawlers Gym, in Bishop Auckland, where he gave out as many “counselling sessions” as he did professional fitness advice.
Ironically, the brawny man everyone knew weighed only 3.5lbs when he was born on December 21, 1973.
His wife Kendra said: “He was whisked away from his mum at birth and grew into this strong man.”
Mr Hussey spent his early childhood at St Chad’s School, in Witton Park, before moving on to St John’s at Bishop Auckland. As a child his favourite toy was an Action Man and it was his dream to be a soldier. He became an RAF Cadet aged ten.
Later he became interested in body-building and his heroes were Arnold Schwarzenegger and Dorian Yates.
Aged 16, he started following his dream by joining the Junior Parachute Company and a year later was recruited to the Parachute Regiment.
Mrs Hussey said: “An injury ended his career and he came out. He set up his own security company running the doors in Darlington.”
In his early twenties Mr Hussey took part in a number of body-building competitions and won the Mr North Britain title at 23.
Despite his physical strength, his strong personality gained him a great reputation and “there was never any bother at the doors of his pubs” .
It was during this time that he had a professional mixed-martial art fight against American Skip Hall.
His wife said: “He went into the fight with broken ribs and went on to win the fight. He spent the rest of the night in hospital though.”
Mr Hussey gave up the job when he learned that he was going to be a father and started his own fencing and block paving business from his home in Stainton Grove, before his son Kane was born.
In paying homage to one of his favourite films Dukes of Hazzard, he named his van Captain Lee.
He opened his own gym when the economy took a turn for the worse and business dried up.
It was here that he turned many young people’s lives around.
Close friend Mark Carr said: “It was weird – when you went to see him it was more like a counselling session than training. He would listen to anyone’s problems. We used to call him Dad – he was that kind of person.”
Mr Hussey’s wife added “Everyone called him Paps. Sometimes they just wanted to sit and talk to get everything off their chest.”
Mrs Hussey added that her husband could relate to people because he dealt with his own mental health issues and would work through them through his training.
She said his generosity extended beyond the gym, particularly at Christmas when he often bought a trolley load of toys to give anonymously to charity.
Mrs Hussey added: “He hated the thought of kids waking up with nothing at Christmas. He always said to pay it forward. Whatever you do it will come back to you. Those who knew him knew what he was like and what he did.”
When not at work, Mr Hussey enjoyed hiking in the upper dale countryside.
His wife said: “He loved Middleton-in-Teesdale and to visit the grave of Richard Watson, the Teesdale Bard. A lot of people didn’t know it but the Teesdale Bard was his great-great-grandfather.”
Mr Hussey fell ill last month and was diagnosed with blood clots. Despite medical care his health quickly deteriorated. His wife and family were by his side when he passed away at noon on Thursday, September 22.
His wife said: “He died with his left hand and wedding ring on his Bible.”
Mr Hussey is survived by his parents John and Kathleen, his wife Kendra, step-son Ian and son Kane.
His funeral will be held Thursday, September 30, at 11.15am at St Mary’s Church, in Barnard Castle, followed by burial which all are welcome to attend. The wake will be held in Barnard Castle Working Men’s Club.
Anyone who would like to walk behind the funeral procession are welcome to meet at 33 Churchill Road, Barnard Castle, from 10.15am.
A FUNDRAISING drive has been launched to “pay it back” to popular gym owner Graeme Hussey.
Mr Hussey who died this month, aged 48, was well known for his generosity to those in need.
Now friends are rallying round to repay his kindness by raising cash for Mr Hussey’s family.
Mark Carr, who started the campaign said: “He was a really well-liked man who would do anything for anybody.
“He is one of the strongest, yet gentle, men I have ever had the pleasure to meet.
“The work he did for the community by training its children and adults to not only build their physical strength and skills, but their mental state and well-being is incredible.
“He was always there to offer advice, but was terrible at taking it.
“He achieved some amazing things in his life but the two things he was most proud of were his children, Kane and Ian.”
Mr Carr said he started the fundraising campaign to ease the burden on Mr Hussey’s family at a very sad time.
People can support the effort by visiting justgiving.com/crowdfunding/mark-carr-1
