A Hull City football coach who was told by doctors his cancer had been “caught early” tragically died just three weeks later.

Dad-of-two Kris Blakeston, 40, was diagnosed with liver cancer but medics assured him it was only a “shadow” on the x-ray.

Two weeks later medics then broke the devastating news that it had been found the cancer had spread “all over”.

The Hull City academy coach sadly died on Monday, reports Hull Live.

His family have since paid tribute to the “amazing dad”, speaking of their “real shock” at the sudden turn of events.

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His brother Callum, 29, said: “Kris was told he had cancer just three weeks ago and doctors initially said they had caught it early as there was just a shadow on the x-ray.

"But a couple of weeks later they discovered it was all over.

"He had lost a bit of weight, which we thought was down to his active lifestyle but otherwise he was perfectly fit and healthy.

"I think he tried to keep it from us to protect us as that was the kind of person he was.

"It was a real shock to all of us and I don’t really think it has sunk in yet but at least it was not a long, drawn out process."

Kris leaves behind a son, 16, and daughter, 14, who he doted on.

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Callum said: “Kris was the most amazing dad I have ever seen. His kids were his priority over everything else.

“He would sell his own teeth rather than see his children go without. They were his pride and joy.

“But he was like a father-figure to me. He really looked after me.

“Kris was so charming and outgoing. I know this is said a lot but he really did light up the room.

“He was also caring and thoughtful. Even right up to his death he was thinking of his family."

Kris had worked in Hull City's academy youth ranks for almost 14 years in a number of roles, helping to set a number of youngsters on their way to first-team stardom.

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He had coached in every age group of the Tigers’ academy and this season had been in charge of the club’s under-13s team.

Callum said: “Football was his absolute passion. He was a massive Liverpool fan and it looks like they will win the league this year so it is a shame we will not be here to see that.

“Really, his children and football was what he lived for although he was a big fan of the television series Friends and quoted it all the time.”

Hull City boss Grant McCann has also paid tribute to Kris.

He said: “It was shocking news for everyone at the football club. It wasn’t nice to find out.

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“I know a lot of the younger players were close to him and he coached a lot of the boys that have broken into the first team.”

The club released a statement on Wednesday with a glowing tribute.

It said: "An outstanding member of the team, his personality, charm and infectious sense of humour will be sorely missed by all at the Academy – staff, players and parents – who have been fortunate enough to work with him.

"Everyone at the club would like to pass on their thoughts and heartfelt condolences to Kris’ family and friends and politely request that their privacy is respected at this difficult time."

• Cancer
• Hull City FC

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