Tribute paid to 7ft BFG Paul

OLDHAM’S “big friendly giant” has died at the age of 55, after a lifelong battle against a condition that caused him to grow to more than 7ft tall.

Paul Hennessey - also known as Tiny - died last week from double pneumonia brought about by the gigantism which made him 7ft 4in tall. The Royton resident died “peacefully” at the Royal Oldham Hospital.

Best friend and housemate Janet Stoner said: “He was a lifelong friend. Everyone called him the original BFG because he really was. He loved children and he’d have done anything for anyone.”

The grandfather of four was well known in the area, having been taller than most since his early teens.

He was first affected by gigantism when he was a teenager in Werneth, but hadn’t been diagnosed until years later, when a doctor saw him on television and offered to help. Paul had appeared on “North West Tonight” after a fruitless search for rugby boots that would fit him.

Since went on to live a decade longer than doctors had predicted, but in his final months had been affected by health problems.

Mr Hennessy leaves behind two sons and four grandsons - including a newborn baby he was never able to meet.

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