Chris campaign runs out of time
TRIBUTES have been paid to a much-loved Edenbridge man who suffered from a rare debilitating disease.
Chris Boakes, 26, of Cedar Drive, died on Monday night.
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RSMdb290310B Katie Creton with her fiancé Chris Boakes who is in a wheelchair and urgently needs a heart/ liver transplant. They are trying to raise funds to send Chris to the USA for the operation as it is not avaliable in the UK.
Photograph by: David Berman Surrey Mirror copyright 2010 berman@essnmedia.co.uk
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RSMdb290310B Katie Creton with her fiancé Chris Boakes who is in a wheelchair and urgently needs a heart/ liver transplant. They are trying to raise funds to send Chris to the USA for the operation as it is not avaliable in the UK.
Photograph by: David Berman Surrey Mirror copyright 2010 berman@essnmedia.co.uk
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RSMdb290310B Katie Creton with her fiancé Chris Boakes who is in a wheelchair and urgently needs a heart/ liver transplant. They are trying to raise funds to send Chris to the USA for the operation as it is not avaliable in the UK.
Photograph by: David Berman Surrey Mirror copyright 2010 berman@essnmedia.co.uk
He had urgently-needed a dual heart and liver transplant and earlier this year launched a £250,000 appeal for life-saving treatment in America.
Family and friends have been left devastated by Mr Boakes's death.
His mother, Nicola Boakes, told the Courier: "He was a wonderful son and will be sadly missed by everyone."
Mr Boakes, who suffered from cardiomyopathy, a debilitating condition which restricts bloodflow to the heart causing fatigue and dizziness, was paid tribute to by Maureen Solari-King, an Edenbridge shopkeeper who donated money to his fund.
She was stunned to hear the news and said: "I'm so shocked, I don't know what to say.
"I'm utterly gobsmacked.
"I just think it's such a cruel world."
Tributes have poured in on Facebook, with Mr Boakes being described as "inspirational".
One post read: "Rest in peace my dear friend, you have been an inspiration to me and I thank you for that.
"You are no longer in pain so enjoy every minute.
"Your family in heaven are now there to look after you. We all love you so very dearly.
"Take care Chris from me and every person who had the chance to meet you."
The former West Kent College student and his wife, Katie, launched a campaign in April to raise £250,000 to have the double transplant operation in America.
Although the overwhelming response they received from the community brought them closer to their target, they still fell short.
Comments
by Geoff Boakes, Herne Bay Kent
Sunday, August 29 2010, 3:15PM
“Thank you for covering this story so nicely. Chris was a very brave and loving young man, and I am so proud to have been his Uncle. The funeral will take place at Sacred Heart Church, Essendene Rd Caterham on Monday 6th September at 11am. Our love to Katie his very loving and supportive wife, who did everything she could to get Chris treated here and abroad. Also to his Brothers Clive and Richard and his friends who did so much to help raise funds and awareness of Chris's condition.
Our love to you always Chris, Goodnight, Godbless, Love you...xx
From Geoff and Amanda.”