Paul Hunter loses battle with cancer
I was shocked and saddened to learn recently that Paul Hunter has died after a lengthy battle with cancer. At just 27, snooker's breath of fresh air, leaves behind a young family and, I am sure, a lot of grieving and shocked fans. I've been a keen follower of snooker for a couple of decades or so now and when Paul first came onto the scene, he really shone out but my cynical side expected him to be very full of himself, with the good looks, young age and bundles of talent.
How wrong I was and this soon became evident as his attitude and personality came across in matches and interviews as being a really nice, down to earth guy who was enjoying life and appreciated what he had. It was very sad to see him so ill, during televised snooker tournaments and I remember wishing he would take a break from the game, to concentrate on his health and recovery. I remember feeling confident that with his spirit and outlook, he could and would make a full recovery, given time.
Time was not going to help him as the battle became too much and the numerous tumors in his stomach finally overcame him on Monday the 9th of October 2006. It is a truly sad and tragic loss to all that knew him, watched him or, to be honest, had even heard him talk. I hope that he is commemorated in some way by the game he loved so much and that some ongoing tribute can be paid to what was clearly a genuinely nice man, tragically taken down in his prime.
It is upsetting, even to simply write this, but my thoughts are with his young widow and baby daughter, whose loss must be huge. You have my sorrow, compassion and condolence for your loss. Rest in peace Paul, you will be greatly and sadly missed and I'll always remember the positivity and overall niceness that radiated from you.
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