AN international pool player who spent seven years battling cancer before getting the all-clear has died from another illness.

David Horan, aged 28, found a lump on his neck in 2004 and was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, cancer of the lymphatic system.

After many failed treatments, David had a stem cell transplant in December and doctors at The Christie, in Manchester, said he was cancer-free.

But he fell ill with bowel disease before he could be discharged from hospital and his condition deteriorated.

His family made the heart-breaking decision to turn off the ventilator keeping David alive and he died on Sunday, May 22, at Manchester Royal Infirmary.

His mother, Lorraine Horan, said: “David was ill for a long time and he was a fighter until the end.

“He was really happy that the cancer had gone and was looking forward to the future. He knew something wasn’t right though. It’s devastating that although he beat the cancer, he has still died.”

Born and bred in Bury, David attended St Paul’s CE Primary School, Broad Oak High School and Bury College.

He worked for a short time at Bolholt Country Park Hotel and was employed by O2 at the call centre in Dumers Lane.

David, of Primrose Drive, Fairfield, loved sport and as a youngster was a member of Bury FC’s school of excellence.

He was well-known across the borough for playing in Bury and District Pool League with several teams, including the Brown Cow pub, in Bury, and Riley’s in Prestwich.

He also represented Lancashire and last year played for England in a competition in Bridlington.

Mrs Horan, aged 61, said: “David always loved anything connected with sport. He played pool five times a week for teams all over the area.

“He used to have chemotherapy and radiotherapy, go home to rest and then go out again to play pool. He didn’t let the disease stop him doing anything.”

David had regular medical appointments after being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma and often had to stay in hospital for treatment.

He underwent chemotherapy, radiotherapy and stem cell treatments, but nothing seemed to work Doctors decided to carry out a stem cell transplant in December, using cells donated by a 42-year-old woman in the USA.

Six weeks later, they found he was cancer-free and could be discharged a few days later.

But David had to stay in hospital after contracting pneumonia, followed by a number of chest infections.

In early April he complained of stomach problems and doctors found his bowel was not working properly.

David was transferred to the intensive care unit at Manchester Royal Infirmary and had two operations to remove part of his bowel.

But his condition deteriorated and he was put on the ventilator to help him breathe.

He died two days later suffering from ischaemic necrotising enterocolitis, an acute inflammatory disease in the intestines.

David leaves his girlfriend of three years, 23-year-old Rhian Murray, parents Lorraine and Kevin, twin brother Dean, brother Warren and sister Joanne.

Mrs Horan said: “David will be sadly missed by all the family.”

The funeral will be held at 1.45pm today at Bury Parish Church, followed by burial at Bury Cemetery.