Nathan kept faith to the end

NUMBER one fan . . . Nathan (front, seated) with Latics players and staff who visited him in hospital last month

HEARTFELT tributes have been paid to a popular Latics fan who has lost his battle with cancer.

Sports-mad Nathan McLean spent his 30th birthday at the Royal Oldham Hospital on December 1, before being transferred to Dr Kershaw’s Hospice, where he died on January 10.

Nathan had been diagnosed with stomach cancer only seven weeks before his hospital stay.

His dad Mick (66) said: “The Dr Kershaw’s staff were absolutely excellent. They were professional and caring. You couldn’t hope for better care at the end of someone’s life.

“The staff on the G2 ward at Royal Oldham Hospital were extremely tolerant of his friends and relatives traipsing through to visit. They treated them so well and with good grace. It was inspiring.”

Nathan, from Bardsley was also a big fan of rugby and supported Oldham Roughyeds as well as his beloved Latics.

“People thought a lot of him,” added Mr McLean. “He was thoughtful and caring, a very positive person who always looked for and found the best in others. He never despaired for one moment. He was determined somehow he was going to get better.”

There was a minute’s applause in Nathan’s memory at Latics’ game at Bradford on Saturday.

A spokesman for Oldham Athletic said: “Everyone at the football club was extremely saddened to learn of Nathan’s passing — he was a wonderful supporter and was known to many at the club.”

Nathan’s funeral is tomorrow at Corpus Christi Church, Chadderton, from 10am, before the burial at Greenacres Cemetery.