Tragedy as young rugby player dies while training

A promising 17-year-old Shropshire rugby player has collapsed and died while training despite the efforts of medical staff to save him.

Matthew Dewhirst, from St Martins, was taken ill at Ellesmere College on Thursday and died a short while later.

Matthew, a pupil at the college, was a member of the North Midlands rugby squad and played at front row for the school rugby team as well as for Whitchurch and the county.

His parents Chris and Sue Dewhirst today paid tribute to their only child.

"Matthew was an only child who was accomplished in many ways.

"He played rugby for Whitchurch RFU, Shropshire and his school, Ellesmere College as well as being a Junior Footballer of the year for the South Cheshire League.

"He represented his school at football, cricket and his beloved rugby.

"As well as being an accomplished sportsman he was a great musician, playing saxophone, clarinet, piano and classical guitar. He was an active member of the Ellesmere College Orchestra and also sang in the Chapel choir."

"Matthew's funeral is to be held in the Chapel at Ellesmere College, date to be confirmed, and an invitation is extended to everyone who knew him over his 17 years of very active life."

Brendan Wignall, headmaster of Ellesmere College, said; "We are shocked and deeply saddened by this sudden death of one of our pupils."

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