A Tragic Loss

Myself, and so many within the friendship group were absolutely gutted and heartbroken to hear of the recent passing of a dear friend, Nathan Lightfoot. He was just 18-years-old.

A-level student Nathan had taken Business studies, English Literature and Psychology at Alleyne`s High School Sixth-Form College in Stone, with outstanding results and contributions to his lessons. He was very well liked by teaching staff, as well as fellow students.

Nathan 'Granary` Lightfoot was a massive Stoke fan, an absolute phenomenal cricketer, a witty and intelligent person who was an inspiration, and a laugh for all that knew him.

I`m sad to say that I wasn`t as close to him as others, and it makes me feel that I`ve missed out on a strong friendship with a true and genuine person. But I knew him well enough to know that he was a great friend to all. I knew him well enough to know that he had a major impact on everyone he talked to; whether it was sharing a bit of banter, or laughing at his mannerisms and character that equally matched his witty comments. I knew him well enough to play football with him, and nearly break the ankles of the opposition with a gong-ho approach.

Good job it was just matches between a bunch of us lads, because I`d never make it as a player, unless I was playing in the 70`s with Mick Pejic! Nathan was definitely a much better player than me. And had a brilliant mind for tactics that gave him the accomplished knowledge of the game that could challenge even the best of managers.

Sixth-Formers laid flowers on the school`s cricketing pitch on the field and gathered round in a remarkable scene of unity. The lower years, who were playing out on the field, all came to a standstill and watched with absolute silence. Staff also came out in numbers, with one teacher reading a poem in his memory. This lasted for 10 minutes during Lunchtime when everyone was free, and there are further plans to honor Granary`s memory in weeks to come, all organized by sixth-form students.

Although this was an indescribably upsetting time in everyone`s lives, what an absolute sense of pride that gives me. Knowing that every single one of our sixth-formers, and even younger years who may not have known him at all, look out for our own with the greatest amount of respect. Someone of Granary`s character deserved something like that, even though he wouldn`t have appreciated the attention. Perhaps he would have called us 'tarts`! That`s just the way he was, and everyone loved him for it.

I hope that this article will be an appropriate addition to the tributes Nathan has had, and still has yet to receive. Eulogies from friends are being written as we speak and I will publish them as a follow on from this article very soon.

From all of us at Vital Stoke and across VitalFootball, we want to wish the Lightfoot family our most sincere condolences in their time of grief.

Nathan was a credit to your family and will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him.

R.I.P Nathan 'Granary` Lightfoot

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