Super-fit footballer Chris dies at just 20

From the archive, first published Thursday 9th Feb 2006.

A super-fit 20-year-old has died only weeks after complaining of a sore throat.

Keen footballer Christopher Garnett was treated for tonsillitis in the first week in January and was diagnosed with glandular fever. After treatment at Bradford Royal Infirmary he was sent home to recover after losing more than three stone in weight.

But he was taken back to the hospital after his condition worsened when he developed a rare brain condition which left him with double vision and speech problems. Doctors were unable to save his life.

His father Michael Garnett, a self-employed driver, said: "Just a couple of days after Christmas he started with a sore throat.

"We took him to the doctors who said he had tonsillitis - but it got worse."

"Doctors later said he had glandular fever and said there was no cure but it was under control. We took him home and he was in bed all the time. We were told to leave him. He seemed slower with his speech - but we thought it was part of his illness."

Scans at the hospital revealed Christopher was suffering from acute disseminated encephalomyelitis - or inflammation of the brain.

"We were told his immune system had over-reacted to the glandular fever virus and affected his brain," said Mr Garnett, of Cooper Lane, Horton Bank Top, Bradford. Only 200 people in the UK contract the rare condition each year - with about four people dying from it.

Mr Garnett, his wife Dawn, and their 11-year-old daughter Emma, plan to hold a 21st birthday party for Christopher after his funeral which takes place tomorrow.

Christopher, a former pupil of Queensbury School, had began playing football for his local pub, the George and Dragon, in Great Horton Road.

Manager Carl Goodchild, 32, of Clayton Heights, said he hoped to organise an annual 11-a-side tournament featuring Bradford clubs in his name.

He said: "Christopher wore the number nine shirt for us. He was a very well-liked lad with an irrepressible sense of humour. We have retired the number nine shirt for the foreseeable future. We had his name printed on the back and presented it to his family. He worked hard, loved his football and was very keen and committed. He was a big, strong lad who was our play-maker.

"Just before Christmas he was very fit. He looked a very good player. He could have made it to semi-pro level. Chris enjoyed every minute of his life. He lived life to the full."

Mr Goodchild said club officials from teams in the Bradford Sunday League had already pledged around £200 to a fund being started in Christopher's name. The cash will be given to the Neurology Department at St Luke's Hospital.

Christopher worked as a glass processor at Art Glass in West Bowling.

His funeral will be held at St Michael and All Angels' Church, Shelf, at 1.30pm.

Friends are invited to attend the 21st birthday party at Hudson's on Great Horton Road, from 8pm onwards.

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