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Cancer 'star' dies peacefully at home
"He was a star."
These words describe skin cancer sufferer Kevin Outhwaite, who has lost his courageous battle with the deadly disease.
Sunderland AFC-mad Kevin would have celebrated his 37th birthday this week.
The gentoo plumber became a firm friend of Sir Bobby Robson, before the former England boss' own death in July last year.
Kevin, of Tunstall, had been instrumental in fund-raising for the football legend's cancer charity, the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.
He was originally diagnosed with skin cancer in November 2007, which came just three weeks after his mum died of bowel cancer.
After having five operations to remove 10 tumours from his body, he decided to begin raising money for the worthy cause.
However, as he collected a signed shirt from the football legend's home, Kevin discovered another lump on his neck which was found to be the return of the cancer.
But this didn't stop him planning a hugely successful charity event for 250 people at The Roker Hotel, which raised more than 13,500 for the Foundation.
Despite gruelling chemotherapy treatment the illness couldn't be stopped and Kevin died at home just before 10pm on Saturday.
His wife Jill, mum to Ellie, 12, spoke of her loss, describing Kevin as "a star".
She said: "We were just in the conservatory and he went really peacefully.
"He fought for two-and-a-half years and he just slipped away. He never complained.
"He was really determined to raise money for skin cancer as it's not widely known about. Kev wanted people to be made more aware of it. He tried to raise 5,000 and he trebled it. It was unbelievable.
"The tributes to him on Facebook are amazing."
Jill also expressed thanks to staff at Durham University Hospital, where Kevin had treatment, and Sunderland AFC after he received letters of support from the club signed by chairman Niall Quinn along with members of the first-team squad.
SAFC-supporting friends of Kevin joined together for a drink after the 1-1 draw with Manchester City on Sunday to remember their pal.
His last match was a 2-0 defeat by Aston Villa in December, which he attended with Jill and Ellie.
Kevin's funeral will be held on Monday at Sunderland Minster, starting at 1.15pm, before moving on to Sunderland Crematorium.
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Weather for Sunderland
Friday 10 February 2012
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