'Heart-broken but proud' – tributes following death of 'awe-inspiring' teen Owen

Tributes from heartbroken family, friends and football clubs are pouring in paying tribute to “awe-inspiring” teen Owen Jenkinson who passed away this weekend after a long battle with cancer.

Mum Andrea Jenkinson posted on social media on Sunday (November 23): “Our darling boy Owen James Jenkinson has closed his eyes at 4.28 surrounded by love and prayers and ELO playing in the background.

“We love you to the moon and back.

“Night night and god bless.”

Dad William shared: “Owen Jenkinson died this afternoon at 16.28 surrounded by love and his wonderful family.

“We are heartbroken but proud of his wonderful life and legacy.”

Life-long Millers fan Owen from Whiston was a fit, healthy and sporty teenager when he was first diagnosed in Easter 2022 after noticing a “pulse-like” pain in his leg.

X-rays, an MRI scan and tests revealed the devastating cause was Ewing’s Sarcoma – a rare cancer that appears in the bones or in the soft tissue around them.

Owen, who is one of six siblings, endured numerous rounds of chemotherapy and radiotherapy between May and December 2022.

By the following February, Owen and his proud parents, relatives and supporters received the good news that all of his tumour sites were inactive.

But tragically just a year later the family learned the cancer had returned and his treatment restarted.

Speaking to the Advertiser last April aged 15 Owen – a former pupil at St Bernard’s RC School – said: “I just mentally accepted it myself.

“Some days are better than others but you’ve just got to stay motivated.

“There's no point just crying or getting cross – I prefer to stay positive.”

He described his journey as: “Like the ocean – sometimes it's calm and sometimes it's rough.”

Dad William said at the time: “The support we have received from organisations such as Rotherham United Football Club, our local church, Young Lives Versus Cancer, and the Make A Wish foundation – not to mention Owen’s

Poggy teammates (local junior side AFC Pogmoor) and PACT in Sheffield – has been wonderful.”

Fundraising was continuing as recently as last month when ‘Team Jenko’ – including members of Rotherham Titans rugby’s youth section – ran, walked or wheeled 5K-10K every day in October to support PACT.

Commenting after his passing this weekend a spokesperson for AFC Pogmoor said: “Owen was a fantastic football player and loved by his teammates and coaches.

“He will be forever remembered.

“We send our love to his incredible family and friends, our under 18s boys and all of Team Jenko.

“Rest in peace Jenko.”

Owen's beloved Millers said in a statement: “The Rotherham United family has lost a truly awe-inspiring young man.

“There are no words that do justice to the life and legacy of Owen Jenkinson who passed away following the most courageous fight with cancer.

“Rest in peace Owen.”