Heartbreaking tributes have poured in for a Leeds dad-of-two who has tragically died just days after getting married to the love of his life.
Christopher Hitchings, best known as Chris or Chrissy, was said to be a "cheeky chappie" and "top bloke". He sadly lost his battle with cancer on January 4, 2023, at St Gemma's Hospice in Harrogate Road.
Chris, who worked for Leeds City Council, was well known around the city for being a football star in his younger years and later became a local football coach at amateur clubs. Chris leaves behind his partner Sarah and his two children.
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Sarah and Chris were due to get married this month in a "dream wedding in a beautiful setting", family member Joanne Hitchings said. However, the couple decided to getting married at Christmas time instead as he become more and more ill.
Joanne said: "Chris and Sarah did tie the knot on Christmas Eve at St James Hospital before he then transferred to St Gemma’s Hospice for end of life care. Chris lost his battle with cancer on January 4, 2023, just two months before his 40th birthday at St Gemma’s Hospice.
"St Gemma were amazing, they were wonderful to Chris and his family. The family would like to make a donation to St Gemma’s as a thank-you. Chris was liked and loved by so many people, the family want to send Chris on his final journey through a celebration of life service surrounded by all his family and friends."
Writing a tribute on social media on January 4, his wife said: "My beautiful husband gained his angel wings at 1.52am. He’s the strongest, bravest kindest soul I’ve come across and he’s left the biggest whole in my heart."
She added: "No amount of words will bring my partner in crime, my right arm, my everything back. I’m truly heartbroken beyond words. He was a pure diamond and I will be forever grateful for the best 20 years of my life, and I wouldn’t change any of it, only to have longer.
"He never stopped fighting or looking out for me or our little family if only I could have saved him. All my love always. So glad we got to say 'I do'."
Leeds amateur football club Yorkshire Amateur AFC shared a tribute on social media and said: "Rest In Peace Chris Hitchings Firstly, our thoughts go to his wife, and partner of 20 years Sarah, and their children, following the passing of Chris earlier today.
"Chris, a former Ammers captain and defender, instilled upon everyone who knew him how he would do anything for anyone. When representing Ammers, he was part of a promotion winning side, the defender known to leave everything on the pitch when playing. An Ammers legend."
John Charles Centre said: "Some Devastating news. We lost our friend and former colleague Chris. Chris courageously battled and fought against cancer for a long time. Chris did this with a smile on his face and a stiff upper lip, he was an inspiration to a lot of people along the way and loved by many. JCCS sends our deepest condolences to Chris’s Family at this time, He will be missed greatly. #RIPChris."
A friend, Clare Brooke, said: "I had the pleasure of working with Chris at Armley and knowing and working with Sarah Hitchings 20 years or more. I'm sad to loose another beautiful soul to the skies.
"Heaven gained another good one , hope him and Sam get up to mischief. Sarah, I send you all the love for you and Chris family. Love to you all and he lives on in our memories and in his beautiful children x."
Another friend, Peter Job, added: "We have lost Chris Hitchings, one of our members at local football news. He his on his way to heaven.
"Propably the finest footballer in east Leeds. His early days in the game was at St. Nicholas, winding his way up to the captain at Yorkshire Amatuers. Like his dad, he liked motors and made that his career. He was such a nice young man. RIP we will all miss you." Chris' family have created a crowd fund to raise money for his funeral.
For more information and to donate click here.
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