Family’s tribute to tragic teen

FOOTBALL fan . . . Matthew pictured at Wembley

A TEENAGE football fanatic from Failsworth has died of a rare brain condition.

Moving tributes have poured in for Manchester City-mad Matthew Morrow (14) who collapsed suddenly after feeling unwell.

The Failsworth School pupil was taken to the Royal Oldham Hospital and diagnosed with an arteriovenous malfunction (AVM) — fused blood vessels in his brain.

His did not regain consciousness and died four days later at Manchester Children’s Hospital.

Matthew, a former pupil at St Mary’s Primary School, Failsworth, leaves parents Simon and Sharon, of Massey Avenue, Failsworth, and sisters Charlotte (19) and Emily (11).

Mr Morrow (42) said: “His X-Box ruled his life. He liked all computer games really, watching DVDs, riding his bike and playing football. He also used to be a ball boy at Kaskenmoor Ball Hall.

“He was a shy lad and happy in his own company. He wasn’t that outgoing but he seems to have touched the lives of hundreds of people.

“We didn’t think he knew that many people but there are 600 tributes on Facebook and we have got 60 or 70 cards of condolence.

“He wasn’t one of those lads who are always out drinking and doing drugs. It’s just a big loss to us all.”

Mr Morrow explained how Matthew, known as Matty to his teachers, fell ill suddenly.

“He had not been poorly whatsoever. There was no sense, even the day before, that something was wrong,” he said. “All of a sudden when we came home on Friday afternoon he said he felt sick.

“He had some toast, went upstairs, started to be sick, said he couldn’t feel his leg and collapsed.

“The doctor said even if he had been having headaches and gone to see a GP, who had referred him for a CAT scan, they probably would not have seen the AVM because it was so deeply embedded.”

The funeral takes place at St Mary’s Church, Failsworth, tomorrow, followed by interment at Hollinwood Cemetery.

Mr Morrow added: “We are inviting everybody to wear bright colours.

“We don’t want any black and we would prefer people to wear football shirts, even if it is one of those red ones.”

Failsworth head teacher John Meagher said: “The heartfelt sympathy from everyone at Failsworth School goes out to Matthew’s family at this sad time. He will be greatly missed.

“Matthew was a popular and valued member of Failsworth School.

“The death of anyone in such a close-knit community is always terrible news but when it is a young person with their whole life in front of them it is even more of a tragic event.

“One member of staff who knew Matthew well when told about his death immediately said “he was just the kind of lad we needed at school.”

“Matthew’s older sister Charlotte left the school in 2007.

“His younger sister Emily will come to Failsworth in September.

“We will do everything possible to support her when she joins the school.”

Family flowers only with donations if desired to Manchester Children’s Critical Care Fund.