A “silent killer” took the life of a young soccer star from Pontefract.
Football fanatic Jonathan Leigh, 20, died suddenly during the night at his Ackworth Road home in September last year after an electrical malfunction caused his heart to stop beating.
An inquest last week heard that this invariably occurs in apparently fit and healthy young people and for the unlucky ones – like Jonathan – the only symptom can be sudden death.
The former King’s High School and Pontefract New College student was a keen sportsman who played with many local football teams including Ackworth United, Pontefract St Joseph’s AFC, Wakefield District Juniors – who he played at Wembley Stadium with – Pontefract Colliers FC and signed with Scunthorpe club Winterton Rangers the January before he died.
Jonathan’s dad David said: “We lost Jonathan, our only son, in a split-second and it has broken our harts. Coming to terms with losing your son is impossible to describe, the pain is intense and never far away.”
“He achieved more in his 20 years than most people do in a lifetime. He was kind, caring and generous and we are so proud to have been his parents.
“Learning to be without him is so hard, but we will and must for everyone’s sake, particularly our three daughters.”
Tragically, David Leigh was having a second operation at Leeds General Infirmary during his son’s inquest after he had a heart attack on July 18.
The cruel coincidence came as a shock to the family – who have all been having tests on their hearts during the past few months to ensure they are not suffering the same problem as Jonathan.
Mr Leigh, who is now back home, said: “It’s ironic that after all the tests we have had over the past four months, nothing showed up to even hint that I was close to having a serious heart attack. If Jonathan had had the same tests, he would certainly be here today. I was lucky.
“We need to raise awareness of these potentially lethal conditions – with our medical services and with the public in general.”
The Jonny Leigh Memorial Fund has been set up to raise money for charities such as Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) and to generate awareness of Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome (SADS) – and £19,000 has been raised already.
CRY says every week at least eight young people die of undiagnosed heart conditions in the UK and if anyone suffers from chest pains, breathlessness, dizziness and fainting, they should visit their GP to be screened for abnormalities.
Mr Leigh said: “It is too late for Jonathan, but many lives can and will be saved in the pressure is maintained on the government and health authorities to address this silent killer.”
The coroner, David Hinchliff, recorded a verdict of death by natural causes.
