Ex-Man United star Bobby Power dies after cancer battle aged 40 – as picture shows

Ex-Manchester United star Bobby Power has died following a battle with pancreatic cancer aged 40. 

The footballer passed away at Dr Kershaw’s Hospice in Oldham just two weeks after marrying his childhood sweetheart, Jemma Power-Bliss, in front of friends and family on Valentine’s Day. 

The sportsman also left behind his three young daughters Loren, 20, Kaitlyn, 19, and 12-year-old Heidi. 

Bobby was a youth player at Manchester United in the 1990s, before more recently gaining a huge following on social media as a motivational fitness guru who enjoyed climbing outdoors.

Friends of the footballer described his wedding to childhood sweetheart Jemma as ‘beautiful’ and ‘special’, allowing the couple to share their vows at ‘very short notice’ before tragedy struck. 

Moving images show the pair holding hands surrounded by loved ones, with Bobby appearing visibly unwell in comparison to his former muscular appearance. 

Bobby Power, 40, (pictured) has died at Dr Kershaw’s Hospice in Oldham following a battle with pancreatic cancer

Pictures show the footballer marrying his childhood sweetheart Jemma Power-Bliss in front of friends and family on Valentine’s Day

Bobby’s health declined massively after he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer

Bobby married his childhood sweetheart Jemma just weeks before his tragic death 

Bobby was a youth player at Manchester United in the 1990s

A JustGiving page started by friend Leigh Sarsfield read: ‘[Thanks] for organising a beautiful wedding to allow Bobby & Jem to become husband and wife at very short notice and making their day so special the continued support for Bobby and his family at such a challenging time from each and every staff member is truly incredible, we cannot thank you enough.’ 

Bobby was known by friends and family as an incredibly fit person who would visit the gym three times a day, making his sudden diagnosis even more devastating. 

The sportsman’s mother, Estrella Barry, recalled the moment Bobby told her he had pancreatic cancer, saying: ‘I was like ”no way, not you… you’re going to live to 110”. But unfortunately it was true.’ 

Bobby first knew something was wrong when he felt more lethargic than usual after climbing a mountain. He then began lacking appetite before beginning to turn ‘yellow’. 

Bobby was known by friends and family as an incredibly fit person who would visit the gym three times a day

Bobby began lacking appetite before beginning to turn ‘yellow’ before he was diagnosed 

The sportsman gained a huge following on social media as a motivational fitness guru 

Bobby was a motivational fitness guru who enjoyed climbing in the great outdoors 

‘He spent the rest of his life trying to find a cure. He wanted to live for his girls. He did everything he could,’ said Estrella. 

She added: ‘If he wasn’t at the gym he was climbing mountains. He loved helping other people. That’s what he was all about really, helping people physically and mentally.’ 

Bobby’s muscles started to disintegrate as his cancer progressed and he soon became unrecognisable. 

One of his three daughters, Kaitlyn Eadsforth, said: ‘He was really outgoing. Literally anywhere he went, he would talk to anyone. 

‘He was like a social butterfly, in any room that he went in.’