Family devastated by new dad’s death

Tom and Chantelle in their brief time of happiness

A LOCAL rugby player with the world at his feet has lost his battle with cancer aged 25 — only three weeks after the birth of his son.

Tom Thornton, who lived on the border of Middleton and Oldham, set up home with his girlfriend Chantelle last year and enjoyed his dream job as a personal trainer.

At the end of November their world was shattered when Tom was diagnosed with terminal cancer.

Tom proposed to Chantelle and they married on December 20. Their son Maxwell was born on January 6 and by January 28 Tom was dead, only nine weeks after his diagnosis.

Chantelle and baby Maxwell moved into Springhill hospice in Rochdale to stay with him during his final weeks.

“There are absolutely no words to describe the pain, emptiness and heartbreak I feel right now,” said Chantelle.. “With time to grieve I only pray it gets easier.”

Tom’s friends have set up the Tom Thornton Foundation Trust to raise money for his family.

Mum Vanessa said: “Tom was an amazing, inspirational young man with everything to live for. He touched so many lives in so many ways.”

The trust is hoping to raise up to £50,000 over the next 12 months. Visit www.facebook.com/justfortom to donate.