Chris
Chris was a keen hockey player and played for numerous teams including Rotherham Hockey Club and Leicester Hockey Club. One of his proudest achievements was when he was elected Chairman of the De Montfort University hockey club.
In October 2006 Chris was diagnosed with Clear Cell Sarcoma, a very rare form of cancer. The cancer was located inside the bone of his left knee.
Chris suffered a knee injury during a hockey game which he struggled to recover from. A scan of the knee injury showed not muscle or ligament damage but a cancerous tumour.
Following his diagnosis Chris underwent a series of operations and treatments including knee replacement surgery, chemotherapy, left leg amputation and radiotherapy in an attempt to battle the cancer. But it was to no avail as the cancer continued to spread.
During his treatment Chris's bravery, determination and sense of humour were frequently remarked upon by those around him.
Throughout his illness Chris was cared for at home, by his loving family, Steve, June and Stacey. The Johnsons received support from their Douglas Macmillan nurse Barbara, Western Park Hospital and St Luke's Hospice, which is where Chris sadly passed away on 24th May 2008.
It's been two years since Chris passed away, although to many of us it still feels like yesterday. Chris was an amazing man who could always make you smile, make you laugh and would always be the one to pick you up if you were down. Those who knew Chris feel privileged to have spent time with such a unique funny person, and the hockey festival is a fantastic way to keep his spirit alive through the sport he loved.