Tributes paid to Jimmy Grimble actor Bobby Power after cancer battle

Tributes have poured in online for Jimmy Grimble actor Bobby Power after he died following a short battle with cancer.

The former United youth player passed away at age 40 after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer last year.

Power, from North Manchester, was a fitness fanatic and personal trainer who would share inspirational posts online with his followers to help others who may be on a fitness journey.

He played for Manchester United’s youth team in the ‘90s and starred in the cult football film There’s Only One Jimmy Grimble (2000) as ‘Gorgeous’ Gordon Burley. 

John Henshaw played his father Ken Burley, who would stand on the touchline shouting: “pass it to Gordon!”

Other stars of the cult football film include Ray Winstone, Robert Carlyle, Gina McKee and more.

Before his diagnosis, Power would regularly be seen hiking in the hills, enduring gruelling strength and fitness challenges and taking cold water baths with friends. Sharing a post about how he first learned he was ill and the symptoms he had, Power wrote: “Where to even start?…I’ll try and keep this as short as possible…7 weeks ago I went to bed feeling good as normal…

“Woke up the next day feeling a bit off…wasn’t hungry and when I tried eating it made me feel sick…”

He continued: “This went on for 3 days plus my skin…eyes and wee started going yellow especially my wee it was like irn bru no matter how much water I drank…day 5 decided to go hospital…cut a long story short I passed out twice whilst waiting in a+e…

“They rushed me through…brought me round…stabilised me and I went to sleep exhausted…day 2 they done a mri scan…day 3 a doctor came in and told me I had pancreatic cancer.”

He was admitted to North Manchester General Hospital and later referred to the Christie.

Following his diagnosis, he shared the awful news with his followers and continued to regularly update them on his health throughout his battle with cancer, remaining open and positive throughout.

A fundraiser was originally set up by Power’s family to try to get him medical treatment, but as his cancer progressed, it was changed to help support them throughout his illness as they stayed at his bedside.

In his final days spent at a hospice in Greater Manchester, Power married his long-term partner Jemma.

A loving dad, Power had three daughters, Loren, Kaitlyn and Heidi.

After Power’s tragic passing, one of his daughter’s shared the sad news on his social media page, which read: “It’s with a broken heart I’m writing this, my dad Bobby passed away peacefully this morning surrounded by all his family.

“We are all so proud of him, the bravest, strongest man we have and will ever meet, a true Spartan till the end. He has left a massive impact on every single person he has ever met and we will never ever forget him.  love you forever dad rest in paradise our hero.”

One person wrote: “If love alone could have cured you, then you would have outlived us all Bobby.

“There will not be a dry eye in Manchester today – our hearts are truly broken.”

Another put: “Absolutely gutted RIP Bobby you was a true warrior a fighter. My prayers are with you and your family .you might have left this earth but you will be forever in my heart ,till we meet again RIP xxx.”

And a third said: “Unbelievable guy and lucky to have known him. Amazing effort right to the end. 100% or nothing. Always in my thoughts.”