TRIBUTES have been paid to a popular Chester cricketer, footballer and law graduate who has died after a battle with cancer aged just 27.
Tom Arnold, of Newton Lane, a cricketer for Chester & District team the Outlaws with his father John and brother Luke, as well as a Dee Rangers FC defender, was due to start work with Liverpool law firm Weightmans this September.
But the Leeds University and College of Law graduate received the devastating news last year he had oesophageal cancer, a disease usually found in people aged 60 and above.
John said: “He had chemotherapy at Clatterbridge from last August to February, where they said they had never had a case of somebody under 35 having it. It was an extraordinary piece of bad luck.
“This year he went to a friend’s wedding as best man, a festival in Belgium with his brother Luke and a family holiday in Greece in May, but then he felt quite unwell and when he returned to Clatterbridge they said there was nothing they could do for him.
“He died on June 13 and we will miss him extraordinarily as he was such a lively lad.
“There are lots of Facebook comments saying how special he was. He was in the prime of his life and was about to start what was looking like a great career.
“He enjoyed life so much and got enjoyment from people around him enjoying themselves. He was a great son, friend and team-mate. When we took a wicket in cricket he would be bouncing up and down with enthusiasm.”
Colin Fowler, one of Tom’s team-mates on the Outlaws cricketing team, said: “Tom will always be remembered as a true cricketing ‘Outlaw’. He was always quick to put himself forward for selection and became the most reliable core member of the side.
“Tom’s final season with the Outlaws was his most impressive, he made the wicket-keeping position his own, bringing into play his athleticism and enthusiasm. Tom eagerly opened the batting and became a prolific run-scorer for the side.
“Although now sorely missed, the Outlaws consider themselves privileged to have played alongside Tom and he will be fondly remembered.”
Chris Ramsey, headteacher at the King’s School where Tom was a pupil until 2003, said: “Many of our current staff remember teaching Tom and it is tragic to hear of a death of one so young. Everyone at King’s would like to extend their heartfelt condolences to Tom’s family.”
Roger Wickson, headteacher at the school during Tom’s time there, added: “As a schoolboy he was a delightful young man, unfailingly friendly, polite and charming. I was very fond of him. He was one of those boys who always lifted the spirits when you saw him.”
Tom was also a big Chester City and Chester FC fan. Club director Jeff Banks said: “Chester FC were extremely saddened to hear the news about Tom, who was clearly an avid fan of the club, and it’s a tragic loss.
“On behalf of the club, I would like to express our sincere sympathies to Tom’s family and friends at this very difficult time.
“We hope Tom will now be looking down on the Blues with other members of the Chester FC family that have sadly left us in recent times.”
Tom also leaves behind his mother Jane and sister Elise. His funeral will take place on Tuesday at St Columba’s Catholic Parish Church. The service begins as 12.45pm and team-mates of the clubs Tom played for are encouraged to wear their sports kit for a celebration of Tom’s life.
