Keith Titmuss RIP

Although I didn't know Keith personally, he is also the second person that I know of to die in recent days. Last Friday (20th) at 7:25am, surrounded by his daughter and his sister (my other half), my brother-in-law Steve (a loyal Tigers Fan) finally lost his long battle with cancer. He had been Stage 4 for about 4 years but It all happened very quick in the end. From being still mobile and living on his own up here in Hervey Bay to being bed ridden in a care facility to his end took just 20 days.
Thinking of you and your family Jethro xx
 
Although I didn't know Keith personally, he is also the second person that I know of to die in recent days. Last Friday (20th) at 7:25am, surrounded by his daughter and his sister (my other half), my brother-in-law Steve (a loyal Tigers Fan) finally lost his long battle with cancer. He had been Stage 4 for about 4 years but It all happened very quick in the end. From being still mobile and living on his own up here in Hervey Bay to being bed ridden in a care facility to his end took just 20 days.
Sorry to hear that - hope you are all doing as well as you can
 
Although I didn't know Keith personally, he is also the second person that I know of to die in recent days. Last Friday (20th) at 7:25am, surrounded by his daughter and his sister (my other half), my brother-in-law Steve (a loyal Tigers Fan) finally lost his long battle with cancer. He had been Stage 4 for about 4 years but It all happened very quick in the end. From being still mobile and living on his own up here in Hervey Bay to being bed ridden in a care facility to his end took just 20 days.

Sorry for your loss Jethro
 
Although I didn't know Keith personally, he is also the second person that I know of to die in recent days. Last Friday (20th) at 7:25am, surrounded by his daughter and his sister (my other half), my brother-in-law Steve (a loyal Tigers Fan) finally lost his long battle with cancer. He had been Stage 4 for about 4 years but It all happened very quick in the end. From being still mobile and living on his own up here in Hervey Bay to being bed ridden in a care facility to his end took just 20 days.

I'm sorry to hear that Jethro. My thoughts and condolences to you and your family. Cancer sucks.
 

Keith Titmuss family tribute: ‘Should never have to bury a child’

Keith Titmuss’ heartbroken family has paid tribute to their beloved son and brother, asking for one special favour to honour ‘Keithy’.

The broken-hearted mother of a rising Manly Sea Eagles star who died suddenly at training on Monday has tearfully declared: “Parents should never have to bury a child.”

Lafo Titmuss spoke through the pain to mourn her 20-year-old son, Manly front-rower Keith, who passed away in Royal North Shore Hospital on Monday after a training session at the Sea Eagles’ Narrabeen base.

Keith’s father, Paul, and brother, Jesse, also paid tribute to Keith during emotional interviews with The Daily Telegraph.

Manly coach Des Hasler has cancelled training for the rest of this week with all players offered counselling.

Titmuss, who would have turned 21 on February 12 next year, appeared to sustain severe cramps and fatigue after a two-hour training session. He was rushed to Northern Beaches Hospital and then RNSH but could not be saved.

His cause of death is still being investigated. Titmuss will be remembered by family and friends as being gentle, respectful, loving, quiet yet funny.

“Parents should never have to bury a child. We never thought we would be the parents that would say those words. We are full of tears. I don’t think anyone in the family has slept since (Monday),” Lafo said.

“‘Keithy’ was the larrikin in the family. He was always pulling jokes at family gatherings. He was best friends with his big brother (Jesse), they were best friends with each other.

“His little sister (Zara) also looked up to him. He was like her guardian and security blanket from the moment she was born.

“We don’t know how she is going to pull through but we certainly have the love and support from our family, church community and her school community. We are just trying to support one-another.

“I want this to be a tribute to ‘Keithy’. I want to celebrate his life and I think he would have loved that too.”

A shattered Paul added: “I’m speechless – I’m devastated that I have lost my son. He was doing something he loved. We really didn’t have any idea anything like this could happen.

“Rugby league was the career he chose and he dedicated his time and efforts just for that. He did his own personal training and got up every morning to go to work and training. I am at a loss of words.”

Titmuss was elevated into Manly’s top 30-man NRL squad for next season and was among the first wave of younger players to return to off-season training.

He was signed by Manly at just 14 years old from Cabramatta.

“It’s shattering and so unexpected. Keith was my little brother but I looked up to him as an older brother, my best friend, I speak to him about everything,” Jesse said. “With what he did in the time he was here, it was something special.

“Me and Keith, we live and breathe footy. That’s what we spoke about all the time. He always came to me for advice and I would give him advice.

“Keith’s got a huge heart and has a lot of close friends, and that showed on (Monday night) with all the support he received. He had a kind and loving heart toward all his friends and family – that’s who he was.

“He was genuinely nice bloke. This coming year, 2021, the whole family was excited for his new contract at the club and his future looked so bright. He was destined to be a star. It’s just unfortunate with what happened.”

Earlier on Tuesday, Jesse took to social media to describe Keith as his “best friend” and a “loving, gentle giant.”

NRL CEO Andrew Abdo, Manly coach Des Hasler and Sea Eagles chief executive Stephen Humphreys comforted the Titmuss family in hospital on Monday evening.

Titmuss had just completed a field session and was stretching when he fell ill. He was a development player this year but did not play a game due to COVID restrictions.
 
Although I didn't know Keith personally, he is also the second person that I know of to die in recent days. Last Friday (20th) at 7:25am, surrounded by his daughter and his sister (my other half), my brother-in-law Steve (a loyal Tigers Fan) finally lost his long battle with cancer. He had been Stage 4 for about 4 years but It all happened very quick in the end. From being still mobile and living on his own up here in Hervey Bay to being bed ridden in a care facility to his end took just 20 days.
You and your family have my deepest condolences. Hang in there.
 
He will forever be Manly player number 623.

Rising front-rower Keith Titmuss – who tragically died on Monday – will be posthumously awarded an official Sea Eagles player number.

Every Manly player to reach first grade is given a number, in chronological order, dating back to the club’s initial season in the old NSWRFL in 1947.


Titmuss didn’t have the chance to fulfil his dream of playing NRL after passing away following a training session at Narrabeen on Monday morning.

However, he will now be perpetually recognised as a Manly first grader.


With 623 now his number, Titmuss will sit alongside Manly’s greatest – including Bob Fulton, Geoff Toovey, Graham Eadie, Cliff Lyons, Brett Stewart, Steve Menzies, Max Krilich, Terry Randall and Malcolm Reilly — in the club’s rich history.

“We will honour that number. It was Keith’s dream to play NRL. This would mean so much to Keith and his family,” close family friend Reno Santaguida said.

“His name will now be among the greatest footballers that ever played for Manly. It’s very special for all his family and friends and is something we will cherish. He will never be forgotten.”
 
He will forever be Manly player number 623.

Rising front-rower Keith Titmuss – who tragically died on Monday – will be posthumously awarded an official Sea Eagles player number.

Every Manly player to reach first grade is given a number, in chronological order, dating back to the club’s initial season in the old NSWRFL in 1947.


Titmuss didn’t have the chance to fulfil his dream of playing NRL after passing away following a training session at Narrabeen on Monday morning.

However, he will now be perpetually recognised as a Manly first grader.


With 623 now his number, Titmuss will sit alongside Manly’s greatest – including Bob Fulton, Geoff Toovey, Graham Eadie, Cliff Lyons, Brett Stewart, Steve Menzies, Max Krilich, Terry Randall and Malcolm Reilly — in the club’s rich history.

“We will honour that number. It was Keith’s dream to play NRL. This would mean so much to Keith and his family,” close family friend Reno Santaguida said.

“His name will now be among the greatest footballers that ever played for Manly. It’s very special for all his family and friends and is something we will cherish. He will never be forgotten.”
Fabulous gesture!
 
We have to find some positives ATM. What a great time for you and me to go get that check up at the quacks. Don't just soldier on with the flu, or what ever you might be suffering from and say she'll be right.

When a 20 year old athlete as fit as a fiddle can be here one day and not the next.

It hurts, and it certainly makes you realise we are not immortal

RIP# 623
 
On a side note, I'll check other club's fan forums on occasion when we are looking at signing one of their players.

A few other clubs have threads reporting the news with multiple condolences posts which, despite the tragedy, is good to see.

It is only a game after all.
 
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