Soccer dad died after six-a-side match with pals

JACK, 27, HAD BEEN WAITING FOR VITAL HEART OP

- CHRIS SLATER

A MUM has paid a moving tribute to her son who collapsed and died after playing football with his pals.

Jack Derbyshire, 27, from Tameside, was engaged to be married, and leaves behind a three-year-old daughter. His devastated mum Lianne said he 'loved life' and that she 'still can't quite believe' what had happened.

His family said Jack was diagnosed earlier this year with atrial fibrillation - an irregular and often abnormally fast heart rate and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a condition that causes the heart to enlarge and weaken. He was told he needed an internal defibrillator fitted and was awaiting the procedure, Lianne said.

She said Jack 'absolutely loved football' and had told his doctors he didn't want to give it up playing.