Curtis Chris (1963-2005)

GRANTHAM-born Chris was a fullback with Grantham Town, who previously played for Sleaford Town and Harrowby United before progressing  through the Reserves to make his senior debut in the opening league fixture of the 1987/88 season at Merthyr Tydfil.

He became an important member of that year’s side, until the arrival of the experienced Mick McGuire the following spring saw Chris relegated to the sidelines for many of the remaining fixtures.

Although he was back in the team after the summer break, nine consecutive appearances and the FA Cup defeat at North Ferriby United marked the end of his career at London Road.

Chris soon returned to Harrowby, then joined Stamford Town and later became assistant manager to Barry Shaw back at Harrowby United.

He went to Huntingtower Road School and St Hugh’s before joining BMARCo, then worked for Anglian in the customer services department .

Chris Curtis contracted skin cancer, which at the time was considered more of  an inconvenience, something cosmetic, than something you could die from.

But his was a very aggressive cancer which began as a mole on his neck for more years than he could remember. It began to change but it was 18 months before he decided to consult his GP.

A confusion over paperwork meant it was six months before he was admitted to hospital where the mole was diagnosed as malignant and removed.

Surrounding tissue was removed the following week and after quarterly, then half-yearly, checks, he was declared free of malignant cells But eight months later he was dead after cancer had marched through his body.

He is mentioned in the biography of Republic of Ireland and former Grantham Town manager Martin O’Neill, who tells how Chris broke into the first team and despite taking ‘some stick’ never needed wet-nursing.

O’Neill was in touch with Chris in his final days and has continued to be in contact with his wife of 22 years, Helen.

Chris was a popular sportsman. More than 600 people attended his funeral at St Wulfram’s Church.

Compiled with assistance from John Barnes