Fundraiser launched after death of football scholarship Huddersfield 19-year-old who died just weeks after blood cancer diagnosis

A dad has paid an emotional tribute to his 19-year-old son who tragically died - just weeks after being diagnosed with blood cancer.
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Joe Aspinall had been studying a soccer scholarship at Coastal Bend College in Texas prior to returning to the UK for lockdown.

Joe - who was expected to have a brilliant future in the sport - became unwell in early May and was admitted to hospital on May 25.

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Following tests, doctors found that he had a haemotological malignancy (blood cancer) that caused blood clots in his spleen - and fatally his lungs.

Joe AspinallJoe Aspinall
Joe Aspinall

Despite what his dad described as a 'very brave fight', Joe sadly passed away on June 10 at the Huddersfield Royal Infirmary.

In a tribute released to the Yorkshire Evening Post by a family friend, Joe's dad said he was comforted at the end by his parents, sister and brother.

Joe was previously 'fit and healthy' according to his dad.

Joe's dad said: "We have had hundreds of messages from people whose lives he had touched.

Joe AspinallJoe Aspinall
Joe Aspinall
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"His school friends, football and cricket teammates, work friends and his recent American college friends.

"We are a private family and are so proud of Joseph and following all the messages of support have realised what a special part of so many lives he was and we will get strength from this.

"One of his school friends, Charlotte and two of his close cousins Ella and Billy have wanted to show their respects by doing find raising events and we find these efforts amazing and very thoughtful.

"We are in shock and devastated by the past fortnight's events but would like to thank the staff at HRI and the support of family that has helped us through."

Joe AspinallJoe Aspinall
Joe Aspinall
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Joe's friend Charlotte Oldroyd has now set up a fundraiser to support his family.

She told the Yorkshire Evening Post that Joe made her feel welcomed when she moved to his high school.

Charlotte said: "When I moved to his high school and I did not know anyone, Joe came up to me to ensure I was okay and told me if I needed anything he would be there.

"He made me feel so welcomed.

Joe AspinallJoe Aspinall
Joe Aspinall

"Me and Joe had loads of mutual friends therefore we were always at the same social gatherings where I had the pleasure of getting to know just how much of a kind, fun loving and energetic person Joe was."

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Charlotte said the money will be spent by the family 'on anything they want in which they they know Joe would appreciate'.

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