A BRAVE sportsman has lost his battle against cancer. Paul Tonge, aged 26, a first team player with Bolton Rugby Club, died on Saturday with his family at his bedside.

Yesterday, his parents spoke of their “inspirational and brave” son.

His mum Helen, aged 59, of Rushford Grove, Astley Bridge, said: “We all told him we loved him before he passed away.

“We are all so proud of him. He was a bright spark and even when his condition deteriorated so much in the last few weeks he told us he loved his life.”

Sports fanatic Mr Tonge, a former pupil of St Paul’s CE Primary School in Astley Bridge, and Canon Slade School, at Bradshaw Brow, developed malignant melanoma at the age of 13, and had a mole removed. He was given the all-clear when he was in his late teens.

But early last year, Mr Tonge, a duty manager at Halfords in Manchester Road, Bolton, discovered a lump under his arm and despite intensive radiotherapy the cancer spread.

In May he was given the devastating news that the cancer was no longer treatable.

Consultants at The Christie Hospital said they would look at using other treatments not generally available, but his condition deteriorated before they were able to do so.

Since Mr Tonge’s death, scores of moving tributes have been left on the popular social networking site Facebook.

His sister Clare, aged 23, and his girlfriend Jennifer Childs, also aged 23, have set up the “In loving memory of Paul Tonge” group.

His former teachers have also been in touch with the family.

Mrs Tonge said: “So many people did not even know Paul was ill, but that was just him. He did not feel sorry for himself and continued to live life to the full.

“He was a caring, thoughtful person who once known was never forgotten. When Halfords celebrated their 100th anniversary, he was nominated as one of the company’s 100 heroes in recognition of his spirit in battling his cancer.

“He never once said ‘why me?’. He had achieved so much, he had gone to university and bought a house and was just looking forward to getting better.”

Mr Tonge continued to work as he was undergoing radiotherapy. And in July, just two days into a new course of treatment, he announced he wanted to go on holiday. The family, including his brother Steven, aged 28, went to St Ives in Cornwall.

His dad, Jess, aged 60, added: “He enjoyed the holiday and despite having a drain to remove the fluid in his body he got into a wetsuit.

“Only a few weeks ago we went to see the Sale Sharks rugby union team play. Despite the deterioration in his condition, he would continue to do and enjoy as much as he could.”

Clare added: “He was an inspiration to me and everyone who knew him.”

Mr Tonge’s family say the funeral service, which will take place at St Paul’s Church, Astley Bridge, tomorrow at 3pm, will be a celebration of his life. His favourite music, including hits by Jamiroquai, and dance music as well as the rugby anthem Swing Low Sweet Chariot, will be played.

A reception will be held at Bolton Rugby Club.

“We want people to wear what they are most comfortable in, and not mourning clothes. We want the service to reflect Paul’s love of life,” said Mrs Tonge.

There will be a committal service at Overdale. Donations in lieu of flowers should be made to the Factor 50 at Christie's fund.

For more information ring Howarth’s Funeral Service on 01204 309609