James 'Jim' Ganley, of Belmont Road in Great Budworth, was following his dreams and his father's footsteps when tragedy struck on Thursday night.

"He was studying sport sciences at Newcastle University," said James' proud dad, Bernard, who played rugby league for Oldham and Great Britain and commentated for Grandstand for many years.

"He'd just come back from a placement at an institute in Canberra, Australia which really is the place to go.

"He was supremely fit. It's just so hard to come to terms with the fact that his heart just failed - at the age of 22."

James was found dead at his home in Newcastle on Thursday evening by his two flat mates who'd been out training and for a pint.

"We just can't believe it - he was preparing for his finals and hoped ultimately to be a professional soccer player," said Bernard.

"Soccer was the love of his life - he often went to watch Manchester United and played at Holmes Chapel with friends.

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