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Ernie is at peace

Carl Marsden
9/ 7/2008

HEARTFELT tributes have been paid to Ernie Cooksey, who lost his battle with skin cancer just weeks before the birth of his first child.

The 28-year-old, who was a fans’ favourite and cult hero at Oldham Athletic, died in a London clinic last Wednesday.

His family and partner, Louise, were at his side.

Cooksey successfully battled cancer back in 2006 after a mole on his back became malignant.

But the disease returned again earlier this year when a scan revealed a malignant melanoma – an aggressive cancer typically caused by over-exposure to the sun’s UV rays.

It was back in summer 2003 when Ernie first joined Oldham; ditching a better-paid job as a roofer in pursuit of his lifelong ambition to become a professional footballer.

His work ethic and enthusiasm made him an instant hit at a time when the club faced liquidation.

Simon Corney, Latics’ manging director, said: "My first impression of Ernie was what he proved to be like – amiable, level-headed and just about the loveliest guy you’d meet.  I remember renegotiating his contract and he just kept saying, ‘Let’s not quibble about money – I just want to play football.  He told us all he’d ever wanted from life was to be a footballer. He was living his dream and his impact on supporters was amazing. T-shirts bearing his name sold out – the fans felt he was one of them.  Life can be so cruel sometimes. It seems so unfair Ernie never got to see his child. Our thoughts are with his family."

Ernie signed on at Boundary Park in 2004 and made 100 appearances, scoring eight times. He also played for Rochdale, Boston United and, most recently, Blue Square Premier side Grays Athletic.

His death stunned ex-colleagues and fans of his former clubs who had raised more than £60,000 in the hope of flying him to the US for pioneering treatment.

Friend Martin Thomas said: "Ernie would call me every morning and I’ll miss those chats most.  I think that in just 41 appearances at Latics he touched more lives than some who managed a couple of hundred games.  He leaves a massive legacy. I’m absolutely devastated, but also happy he is now at peace."

More than 1,500 Oldham and Rochdale fans had attended a joint fundraising game in May during which Ernie netted an emotional penalty kick.

The money raised from these events – plus a sponsored walk to the Oldham game at Leeds on August 16 – will now be given to his partner, Louise.

Ernie’s funeral is at St James’ Church, Jamaica Road, Bermondsey, London at 10.30am on Monday, July 21. A book of condolence remains in the Latics’ Club Shop for signing until tomorrow afternoon. Hundreds have already paid personal tributes and the club’s email system has been inundated. The book will be given to Ernie’s partner, Louise.

GRAYS Athletic chairman Mike Woodward has pledged £50,000 to Ernie’s family if the club he played for last term win promotion next season.

Woodward said: "I can’t believe what’s happened to a boy of his age who had a partner and a baby on the way. He had his whole life ahead of him."

Click here to leave your tribute to Ernie Cooksey