A POPULAR and talented Ashford footballer has lost his long fight with cancer.

Barry Cunningham, known to friends as BJ, died just before midnight on Saturday at his home in Ashford.

Although full of praise for the treatment he had received in hospital, he knew that time was limited and wanted to spend his last hours in familiar surroundings with his family.

He continued to play the game he loved, as much as he was able, up until October when his health began to deteriorate again.

Mark Jenner, chairman of Ashford Town Football Club said: "At 29 Barry had managed to do all he wanted to do and see all he wanted to see. Barry we will miss you."

Barry was born in Ashford on October 6, 1978 and attended South County Primary and Christchurch schools before joining Auto Windshields as a windscreen fitter.

Mr Jenner added: "He was a promising footballer while at school being on the winning side in the under-14s cup final against Swadelands and scoring a hat-trick.

"He had trials with a number of pro clubs including Southampton, QPR and Portsmouth, sadly without success but it did not dim his enthusiasm for the game.

"After playing for Bromley Green and then Metro Barry joined Ashford Town Reserves for the 2001/2 season scoring some memorable goals, which eventually moved him into the first team squad in 2004.

"Still playing for Metro on Sundays he was part of the trophy winning side in 2005 scoring in the final at Hythe then going on to be presented with the Most Improved Reserve Player of the year at the end of the season.

"Within weeks Barry was diagnosed with bowel cancer that was already well advanced but was still desperate to be playing football.

"In September 2006 the club organised a benefit match against the Arsenal Old Boys, which attracted a crowd of over 700 raising more than £3,000.

"Barry’s proudest moment was leading out the Arsenal team that night and later to have the chance of meeting Arsenal legend Ian Wright, one of his heroes.

"Since then Barry had been a special guest of Arsenal FC at numerous matches enjoying superb hospitality and even transport to and from the games, an act of generosity by Arsenal which is very much to their credit."

Barry asked for his ashes to be spread at the Homelands and a memorial plaque will mark his life.