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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Rachel McMenemy

Family find young footballer, 17, dying in his room after rare seizure

A tragic young footballer died after his family found him in his bedroom struck down by a seizure.

Sonny Chambers, was just 17 when he died in hospital, having only ever had three other seizures in his life.

He was found dying on his bedroom floor by parents Lisa and John, but paramedics were unable to save him on February 14.

In the months since his death Sonny's friends, family and former coach have rallied together to fund-raise in his memory.

Paul McEvoy, Sonny's former football coach, told the Liverpool Echo : "He passed away suddenly at home and literally just because of a seizure. He was in his bedroom.

Sonny, pictured as a young footballer, was just 17 when he died (Liverpool Echo)

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"I think he'd only had three seizures before than and he'd been to hospital before but doctors just said to keep an eye on it.

"They [Sonny's parents] found him, paramedics went up to the room and he'd stopped breathing and tried to bring him back, he was rushed to hospital but there was nothing they could do. He was only 17."

The amateur footballer was remembered in the days after his death as a "great lad" by those who knew him.

Mr McEvoy described Sonny as "unassumingly confident" and shared how the teen loved his family.

He said: "He was really confident but was never one to boast. He was modest and he didn't like any fuss, he liked the simple things and his mates described him as really funny.

Sonny's dad and brother both had commemorative tattoos done (Liverpool Echo)

"He was quick-witted and he loved his footy and boxing, he loved watching boxing and playing footy.

"He'd played footy since he could walk and played for numerous kids teams growing up.

"He loved his family, he loved and adored them.

"It's been difficult for the family, but it's been amazing how many people have got around to the family support them."

Sonny's dad and older brother, Cameron, have both commissioned commemorative tattoos since his death.

The community have also rallied around the family and touching tributes were organised, including a minute's applause during the 17th minute of the Merseyside Derby on March 3.

Now, three months after his sudden death, several new fund-raising events have been announced in memory of Sonny in a bid to bring some good out of his untimely death.

Litherland Remyca U18s pay tribute to teammate Sonny Chambers (Liverpool Echo)

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Paul said: "All the events have helped , they [Sonny's family] are being as strong as they can be.

"We've got these events to raise money for the Jamie Carragher's 23 foundation charity that sort of gives back to the local community."

Every event will be a celebration of Sonny's life and will have the tagline 'Sonny Shine Bright Forever 17'.

Money raised will be split between the 23 foundation, help for Sonny's family, a permanent memorial for Sonny and a grassroots football initiative.

On May 24 there will be a special night of fund-raising which including special raffle prizes including boots signed by Steven Gerrard and signed photo from the 1966 World Cup winning team and more.

An inaugural memorial match between two of Sonny's former youth clubs TMS and Litherland Remyca has been organised for May 26 in what is hoped will become an annual event.

Fundraisers have also organised a football tournament in Sonny's memory for the summer.

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