Family’s tribute to the man with dreams

Chris Frankland: world at his feet

WHEN 26-year-old Chris Frankland died just eight weeks after he was diagnosed with cancer, his family was devastated.

The young Chadderton man was fit and seemingly healthy, the goalkeeper for Chaddertonians AFC, following nine years with Oldham Hulmeians AFC.

He went to see his doctor in February after he developed back pain, but his father Robert said: “We didn’t think much about it at the time.

“He was a fit lad, played football, and we didn’t think it would be anything serious.”

But on February 17, Chris was diagnosed with cancer of the unknown primary — something none of the family had ever heard of, and, on April 20, he died.

His father, who lives on Broadway, said: “We were all absolutely devastated. Most cancers start with a tumour they can deal with, but with cancer of the unknown primary they don’t know where it originates.

“It is only found when it has spread from the initial place to other parts of the body.”

Struggling to cope with their loss, Chris’s father, mother Angela, his sister Katie and his friends, took the brave decision that his death would not be in vain. Katie is one of the driving forces behind the campaign, and said: “It frustrates me how he never got the opportunity to fulfil his dream — to live and work in New York.

“As a graphic designer at 26, his career was just beginning and his plans for the future were just getting off the ground.

“I can’t understand how this has happened to someone so full of ambition, vitality and creativity.

“I miss him every day and I doubt that will ever change.”

Now Chris’s family and friends have thrown themselves into a campaign to raise £15,000 for the Christie Hospital, where he was treated.

Katie and a group of 12 friends have already raised £1,969 for Cancer Research UK by taking part in Race for Life as “The General’s Team” — a nickname they had for Chris.

And family and friends have donated or raised a total of £3,309 to get the appeal under way.

Next in the pipeline is a tribute night, organised by Katie and a handful of friends — which will celebrate Chris’s life in a manner he would be proud of.

It takes place at Clough Manor Hotel, Denshaw on Saturday to mark what would have been his 27th birthday the following Wednesday, and will have his favourite place, New York, as its theme.

Chris, who lived in Royton, had a dream of working and living in New York, and celebrated his 21st birthday in the Big Apple with his father.

“He loved the place. That’s where his heart and soul were,” said Robert.

There are still a few of the 200 tickets for sale, with £8 of the £15 cost going directly to the Christie Hospital. Tickets by email at thefunkyengine thatcould@hotmail.com  

Chris also has a Tree of Hope where people can pay £10 and hang a leaf for Chris on the tree, at http://hopefunds.christies.org/funds/chrisfrankland