Tributes after 14-year-old's death on rugby pitch
Tributes have been paid to a 14-year-old boy who collapsed and died on a rugby pitch.
Chris Giles suffered a suspected heart attack as he practised with the Fareham Heathen's Rugby Club.
Paramedics were called to Cams Alders playing fields in Palmerston Drive, Fareham, following a 999 call on Wednesday night.
He was rushed to Queen Alexandra Hospital in Cosham but later died.
Head teacher Ria Allan, of Brookfield Community School, in Sarisbury Green, described him as a popular pupil.
'Chris was a high-achieving, fun-loving young man,' she said.
'He has left behind fond memories and a contagious smile which will long be remembered. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mr
and Mrs Giles and their
family.'
The Year 10 pupil was said to be a gifted sportsman who made a significant contribution to the school's rugby team.
Chris, from Locks Heath, was also a member of Warsash Sailing Club and was voted Scout of the year at the Warsash Sea Scouts.
The sailing club's vice commodore Mark Platten, who helped teach Chris to sail, said: 'He got really involved in club racing and was a very popular member of all our teams.
'Obviously we were very shocked to hear about this tragedy, and he'll be sadly missed by everyone who knew him.'
Tributes to Chris have also been posted on internet forums where he is described as 'a popular
boy, always able to cheer anyone up with his big smile'.
Evelyn Gothard, learning leader at Brookfield School, added: 'Chris was a very popular student with a wide variety of interests.
'He took his responsibilities seriously but could always be seen with a grin on his face. Chris has touched so many lives – he will be sadly missed.'
Fareham Heathen's Rugby Club has cancelled this Sunday's games for their under-14, under-15, Colts and veterans teams out of respect.
Club spokesman Ivan Akini said: 'We are deeply saddened by this as a whole club, and our immediate thoughts are with his family and friends.'
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Weather for Portsmouth
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 15 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 13 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 24 mph
Wind direction: East
