The non-league footballer Ernie Cooksey succumbed to cancer on 3 July, 2008, aged 28, after battling the disease for a second time.

The midfielder had just completed his first season with Conference side Grays Athletic and had previously played for Crawley Town, Oldham Athletic, Rochdale and Boston.

Grays and his former club Oldham staged a benefit game for him in May, three months after he was diagnosed with skin cancer. Stars such as Paul Merson, Chris Waddle and Luther Blissett, as well as 1,500 supporters, turned out to raise £11,000 towards his treatment.

Ernest George Cooksey was born on 11 June, 1980, in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire. He began his career at Crawley but was signed as a professional by Oldham manager Ian Dowie in 2003.

After joining Grays in July 2007 he had quickly become a key part of the team, utilised in various roles but generally earning plaudits for his tireless work in midfield. A director of Woking was heard to remark "If only we had an Ernie Cooksey" after they were soundly beaten by Grays.

Earlier in his career he had been named as Rochdale's 'Player of the Year' and in total he scored 15 league goals in 193 games.

He had previously overcome one bout of the cancer in 2006, which he blamed on a time he spent exposed to the sun while coaching in Las Vegas. Sadly scans in February 2008 showed it had returned. At the time of his death his partner Louise was expecting their first child.

Grays Athletic released the following statement: "It is with great sadness that we have to announce that Ernie lost his battle against cancer in the early hours of this morning.

"Ernie will always be fondly remembered by all those who he came in contact with. On the pitch Ernie always gave 100% and was a true gentleman off the pitch. He always found time to talk with his fans and has made many friends throughout his career. He will be greatly missed by all."