TONY Barrow was a giant of a man whose warm smile and unmistakable laugh will ensure he is never forgotten.


The former rugby league prop forward, died at the age of 45 last Thursday after a 21-month battle with a brain tumour.


Friends say he fought the disease with all his might – and never lost the good humour and friendliness that made him such a well known figure across St Helens. 


As tributes flowed this week, his sister Paula Cunningham, 48, described the family’s devastation and summed Tony up as a “wonderful man”. 


Paula told the Star: “He was so positive – right to the end – even when he was in hospital in the days before he died he was talking about what he wanted to do when he got out of there. He was full of life right to the end and he didn’t want to leave us.


“He was so brave during his fight with cancer. He was never morbid and was always bothered about everyone else. He was so selfless.”


Paula added that father-of-two Tony, from Thatto Heath, who worked as senior childcare worker at Nugent House, would be remembered for his “lovely smile and laugh”– and the fight that he displayed to ensure he lived his life to the fullest while battling the cancer glioblastoma multiforme.


Last year he even ran the St Helens 10K with wife Ann Marie. and was cheered as he crossed the finish line.


She said: “We have so many cards and messages. People have said the loveliest things. One said it was like a light had gone out – but it is still there, which I think is true.


“He went on all kind of holidays with family and his children Megan and Lucy. 


“In 2015 after being diagnosed he married Ann Marie. It was a lovely occasion and there was a picture taken of him punching the air. They loved each other very much and were so happy.”


During his rugby career Tony, son of former Saints player of the 60s Tony senior, played for Oldham and Swinton. 


Both clubs paid tribute, with Swinton saying: “Tony’s wholehearted and honest displays earned him great affection amongst Swinton fans, and those characteristics were also typical of the man himself in every way.”


Tony was a childhood friend of the late Steve Prescott, who fought his own immense battle with cancer, and took strength from the former Saints full back’s heroics.


Martin Blondel, of the Steve Prescott Foundation, said: “Tony was a tremendous supporter of the SPF and would be the life and soul at any of our events he attended.


“We are devastated and send our condolences to his family and friends.” 
Saints, who have offered support to the family, also added their condolences and a tribute could be held before the home game with Warrington on Friday.


His family added that a celebration of Tony’s life will take place on Tuesday, March 28 at St Mary’s Lowe House Church on North Road from 10am.

People attending the funeral have been told they can wear bright colours. A wake will take place at Saints’ stadium later. 


Tony was the dearly loved son of Kath and Tony snr, dad to Megan (20) and Lucy (17), brother to Paula and brother-in-law to Ste. He was uncle to Amy and Beth and a great uncle to Isla.


Donations to Walton Centre Charity and The Clatterbridge Cancer Charity c/o the family or online via justgiving.com/crowdfunding/InMemoryofTonyBarrow