An 18-year-old goalkeeper died suddenly after short illness. Tributes have been paid to Igor Jonczyk, who played for Denbigh Town FC, after his death on Friday, April 1,
Originally from Poland, he moved to Wales when he was nine with his two elder brothers, mum Agnieszka and father Artur, and they settled in Ruthin. He passed away surrounded by his family at Wythenshawe Hospital in Manchester.
Described as a "promising and popular member of the football team" with a "flamboyant playing style" Igor was taken to Glan Clwyd hospital at the start of March before being transferred to Manchester where it become apparent that he had been suffering from an underlying heart condition.
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Igor played in goal for Ruthin juniors until he was 16 before signing for the Denbigh Development team where he soon became a popular member of the squad before moving up to be the goalkeeper for Denbigh Reserves.
Reserve team manager Gethin Jones told NorthWalesLive: "Igor was a player of high potential but above that a great member of the squad.
“He was a quiet and kind lad who gave us everything. His sudden loss will be felt both on and off the field. My thoughts are with his friends and family."
The club said Igor’s family have been left "completely shocked and numbed" by their loss and are looking to hold a memorial service before taking Igor back to Poland for the funeral.
Club secretary Stephen Whitfield added: "I have to say that Igor was an interesting player to watch as he always managed to do something spectacular during a game.
“He had progressed well and had, in fact, trained with the first team earlier this season.
“This news has come out of the blue and the whole club is shocked and upset. I cannot imagine how his family and his many close friends must be feeling.”
One of Igor's closest friends, Wezley Roberts, has started a GoFundMe appeal to help raise funds to assist his family.
The appeal said: “Igor's funeral will be held in Poland I’m hoping to raise some money to help his family pay for the costs of everything. This is a difficult time for his family and friends so any donation would help to ease the pressure for them.
“Igor was a great friend and was always there for everyone. I’m sure everyone has some memories they will never forget. He will be truly missed he really was a genuinely kind lad.”
More than £1,000 has already been raised as part of the appeal.
The club have announced that there will be a minute's silence in memory of Igor before the derby match at Denbigh against St Asaph this coming Wednesday, April 6 at 7.30pm.
- You can donate to help the family of Igor via the GoFundMe here.
