FAMILY and friends have paid tribute to a young Rugby League player who died on Friday, December 3, four days after suffering a massive cardiac arrest in Whiston Hospital.

Anthony Young, who was a popular member of the Vine amateur club, was rushed to Whiston Hospital early last week suffering from severe pains in his chest, back and stomach. Three hours after arriving in casualty, the former St Cuthbert's pupil suffered a massive cardiac arrest and medics fought for 50 minutes to save his life.

For the next four days the 24-year-old, who worked as a process operator at ICI, Runcorn, was kept alive on a life support machine. Then, on Thursday, December 2, doctors told his mum, Gina, that her son was brain dead.

Gina, of Mill Lane, Sutton, told the Star: "The doctors asked if they could switch off the machine but I said I couldn't do it, because, in my heart, Anthony was still alive. But when the family spoke with the doctors again on the Friday and they explained that there was no hope we decided to let them do it. And when the machine was switched off, Anthony's immediate family, including his dad, John, and his brothers, were with him."

She added: "Anthony was a fantastic son, he got along with everybody, nothing was too much trouble for him and he had a great sense of humour. The number of calls we've received since he died just go to prove what a popular lad he was."

Gina added that, poignantly, just three days after Anthony died, confirmation came through for a 30-day holiday in America next June which he had booked with his friend Mark McCoy.

"We know that Anthony will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him and we feel that we have been privileged to be such a big part of his life."

Meanwhile, Vine coach and former Saints star, Frank Barrow, also praised the popular prop who previously played for Blackbrook. He said: "Anthony was a cracking lad, the type of dedicated clubman you need. He was a smashing player who was dedicated to the sport. I had a lot of time for him. He will be sadly missed by everyone at the club."

A funeral service for Anthony will take place at St Anne's Church, Monastery Lane, Sutton, at noon today (Thursday, December 9) , followed by a service at the crematorium at 1pm. A wake, catering for 400 mourners, will be held at the Bull and Dog public house.

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