Family’s heartbreaking tribute to 21-year-old Nathan Hayes

Former St Helens College student Nathan Hayes from Thatto Heath, suffered from epilepsy since the age of 11.

Nathan with mum Kerry

He had suffered from seizures and other symptoms regularly but died on Sunday, February 23, while sleeping over at a friend's house.

His sudden and tragic death has totally devastated his mum Kerry Hayes, 38, step-dad Steven Price, 40, brothers Dean, 23 and Luke, 20, sister Cerys, 14 and nephew Kaden, three.

He was also extremely close to gran Elaine Murphy and her partner Stephen Hodkinson and his granddad Stephen Hayes. 

Nathan with stepdad Steven

On Saturday, February 22, Nathan went to watch Preston play against Hull City with his friend Lewis, then went back to his friend's house for the night, watch a film and play video games.

They both went to bed. However when his friend went to wake him up the next day Nathan had died.

His heartbroken mum Kerry, said: "Nathan has had epilepsy from being 11, his brother had it but grew out of it but Nathan never did.

Nathan with his siblings

"It affected his life, he was such a loving and kind person but he did catering at St Helens College and because of his epilepsy nowhere would take him on for work.

"He couldn't drive or go on holiday with his friends, he did get upset about it but he never let it get him down.

"He was always doing what he could for others and going on training courses with St Helens Chamber to find work, even though he didn't have to.

Nathan with his three-year-old nephew Kaden

"Because of his epilepsy he was usually either at home, at his grandparents homes, quiz nights at The Grapes or at his friend Lewis' house.

"That night wasn't unusual, he left here happy, enjoyed his night then according to Instagram he went off that at about 4am.

"He had a room at Lewis' he was in that and Lewis was in his room.

"The next morning when Nathan wasn't up, Lewis went in to wake him up around 11am and he was on the floor face down.

"The paramedics said he had passed a few hours before that.

"I got a call from police and I just knew, I asked straight away 'is this about my son?'

"It's been hard.

"Nathan had been treated until he was 18 for epilepsy, but gaps in the NHS mean that until you are 21 you don't get forwarded to adult care.

"His first check in a long time happened four weeks before he died, and the results arrived two days before he died saying he had a spike and he was at risk of serious injury or sudden death.

"We were worried and organised for more checks, but just two days later he died."

Since his death, Nathan's friends have set up a Go Fund Me page aimed at raising funds for his funeral.

Stepdad Steven added: "We didn't realise Nathan had so many friends until this happened, he only really spoke about three of them all the time.

"But since this, so many people have come forward saying lovely things about him.

"We knew he was a lovely lad, but it's nice to know others did too.

"One woman we don't really know even said that when she had no money for her and her kids Nathan just gave her some, that's what he was like, he'd do anything for anyone."

Cerys, Nathan's youngest sibling, said: "We are going to miss him, he was annoying like every brother is but he was perfect and amazing, smiley and cheeky."

Kerry added: "Initially his friends wanted to raise money for his funeral, but now we'd like some of that money to go towards rebuilding the training barn at Thatto Heath Crusaders.

"Nathan used to play there with his friends, just five a side, until he had a seizure in front of everyone and I think he was embarrassed to go back.

"But he had so many happy memories there. I know he would have loved that and the club are on about putting a plaque for him up if we do.

"We can't thank everyone enough for your kind messages, they really do mean so much and it's lovely to know Nathan meant so much to so many people."

Nathan's family and friends will be doing a balloon release next Saturday, March 7 at Thatto Heath Crusader's Club in memory of Nathan.

The Go Fund Me page can be found here