by Jenni Horn

Gillingham FC will hold a minute’s applause before Saturday's home game in memory of comedian Dave Lee.

Dave (pictured left) died on Monday from pancreatic cancer. He was a great friend of the club and for several years he was a non-executive director.

The 64-year-old, who was a tireless fundraiser for children’s charities, had appeared at countless Player of the Year awards at Priestfield Stadium and was involved in many of the club’s fundraising events.

In December 2009, Dave showed what a good sport he was when he wore a pink leotard and tutu to join the Gills in training.

Gills manager Andy Hessenthaler said he found it hard to go to work on Tuesday after hearing the news of Dave’s death.

He said: "I came in because that’s what he’d have wanted me to do anyway, the job and the football.

"It’s a sad day, we’ve lost somebody who was a friend of the club as well as a big friend of mine. I worked with him for the past 10 years doing stuff for his charities.

"It’s been quite hard to focus on the job at hand – I think it puts it all in perspective when you lose someone who you are very close to."

Hess (pictured right) added: "Dave was somebody that when you were down, he always lifted you up.

"Since I’ve been back at Gillingham I think every weekend I’ve had a phone call from him, whether we’ve been away from home or at home, he’s called me win, lose or draw.

"He thought about everybody else rather than himself. He was a larger than life character and had a heart of gold. We’re going to miss a top lad and a true gentleman."