Minute’s silence in memory of Charlie

Charlie with his wife Louise

A FOOTBALL club is leading tributes to an Oldham man who has died after a long fight against cancer.

Springhead AFC is asking clubs to hold a minute’s silence before matches this Saturday for Charlie Jones.

Mr Jones (26), from Holts, died on Monday. He had been diagnosed with skin cancer in 2010 and later suffered other tumours.

He made national headlines in 2012 when he became the first skin cancer sufferer to test a new drug designed to improve the life of those with the disease. He responded almost immediately, saying he felt like “his old self”.

In August 2012 he married Louise Howard, putting his illness behind him on a “day for celebration”.

Speaking for Springhead AFC, Lee McAllister said the Manchester League has agreed to hold a minute’s silence before Saturday’s matches.

He said: “I’d coached him since he was a young lad. He arrived around the age of 14. He played in the first team up until his illness no longer allowed him in 2011.

“He was a hugely popular figure and was still there most weeks after he was forced to stop playing. He fought his illness with great bravery and dignity, never once complaining. Our deepest condolences go to his wife and family.”

The funeral is on Tuesday at the Nazarene Church, Oldham.