TRIBUTES have been paid to a dad-of-two, rugby player and police officer who has died at the age of 37.

Adam Cox, from Grappenhall, ‘passed away peacefully’ surrounded by his family on Wednesday, August 14.

A stalwart at Lymm Rugby Club, the Merseyside Police officer was diagnosed with sarcoma around his spine last year and had battled bravely against the rare form of cancer since.

The former prop first joined Lymm RFC’s junior section nearly 30 years ago, going on to help the first team to gain promotion in 2010.

Known as Beef to his friends, he was also a part of Lymm High School’s unbeaten tour of Canada and played at Twickenham for the school in the Daily Mail Vase final in 2000.

Warrington Guardian:

Adam, pictured centre, during his Lymm High School days

A Lymm RFC spokesman said: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that we have to report the death of Adam Cox, one of Lymm Rugby Club’s finest ever characters – our sincere condolences go to his wife Steph, his children Joshua and Charlotte and to the rest of his loving family.

“Affectionately known as Beef, Adam was a Lymm Rugby Club life-timer.

“He began playing in the minis and juniors and continued to impress throughout the age levels – he was eventually selected to play for the first team, before becoming an ever present in the side for many years.

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Warrington Guardian:

Adam is pictured far right on the front row during his time in Lymm RFC's junior section

“After retiring from the game, he continued to help the Lymm cause by coaching his son’s side and nurturing the talent of the future.

“Adam was one of the most honest, kind and genuine characters that you could ever wish to meet, and it came as no surprise when he found his calling as a police officer.

“He joined Merseyside Police, where his courage, hard work and infectious personality gained recognition immediately.

“The emotional messages received from his colleagues demonstrates the huge love and respect that the force has for one of Lymm’s favourite sons.”

Teammates at Lymm RFC had raised nearly £14,000 to support Adam and his young family before his death.

This money allowed them to make adaptations to their home, with the dad having had to travel miles to St Rocco’s Hospice in Bewsey just to have a shower.

A planned fundraising game between a Lymm RFC XV and his colleagues in the force was held his memory last night, Wednesday, at the club’s Crouchley Lane home.

Adam’s funeral will be held at St Wilfrid’s Church at 11.30am on Thursday, August 29, followed by a wake at Lymm Golf Club.