A HEARTBROKEN father has described his utter devastation and shock after his 15-year-old son died from suspected sudden death syndrome.

Thomas Cowley had been making a steady recovery at home in Rainford after undergoing abdominal surgery to treat Crohn’s Disease earlier this month.

But the keen football supporter was found dead by his father Adrian on Wednesday, December 12.

It is believed the well-known Rainford High Technology College pupil had a hidden heart defect and died while sleeping.

He has been described “as a warm and gentle young man with a lovely smile”.

Adrian, 52, who lives with wife Anne Marie and their other son, 10-year-old William, told the Star: “He’d had a great day before. He’d been on Facebook and on his X-box.

“I went to work at 8.25am on December 12.

“I tried calling him when I was out because I wanted him to come to a Christmas lunch with me but I couldn’t get through.

“I tried to resuscitate him before the ambulance arrived and he was taken to hospital.

“I came home at 11.25am and he was dead in bed.

“He had suffered heart failure. The consultant told us it was like switching off a light and he wasn’t in pain.

“We don’t know what caused it but it was unrelated to his hospital treatment.

“It was Sudden Death Syndrome.

“For no reason whatsoever his life is now over.

“If something had gone wrong I could at least understand.

“But to be told that the operation was 100 per cent successful and then he dies from something totally unrelated is shattering.

“The children, family and friends can’t believe it.

“There have been hundreds affected, including the schoolchildren at Rainford. They are suffering as well.”

The parents visited the school to speak at a memorial assembly.

Thomas was described by his father as a “techno” who loved gadgets.

He was a Manchester United fan and played football for Rainford Rangers until being diagnosed with Crohn’s, a disease which primarily causes inflammation of the intestines.

The funeral will take place at Rainford Parish Church tomorrow.

Dozens of photographs celebrating Thomas’ life have been posted on a Facebook page (RIP Thomas Cowley) and a justgiving page has been set up in his memory.

You can donate by visiting justgiving.com/ thomas-cowley.

 

 

Head of year pays tribute to a popular teenager

TEACHERS and pupils at Rainford High led the tributes to Thomas Cowley.

Claire Fawley, head of year 11, said: “Tom was a popular and well liked year 11 student whose lovely smile will be greatly missed by all at Rainford High Technology College.

“Year 11 had a special memorial assembly to pay thanks for and celebrate Tom’s life.

“He was a warm and gentle young man who always persevered and would not let his illness stop him from doing his best and achieving his goals.

“His determination and spirit to carry on was beautifully put into words by his three good friends Dylan, Ethan and Liam who spoke with such strength and dignity during the assembly.

“In the coming weeks we will be collecting for Cancer Research, a charity close to Tom’s heart.

“We send our love and support to Tom’s family at this sad time.”