TRIBUTES have been paid to a man who died from the same rare disease that killed his father and brother.

Chris Jones, aged 29, suffered from Friedreich's ataxia – a rare inherited disease that causes nervous system damage and movement problems.

The condition killed both his brother, Daniel, seven years ago and their father, James, when they were children.

Chris' friends have now launched a fundraising campaign to help his family with the burden of funeral costs, and have already raised almost £3,000.

James Meadowcroft, who set up the online donations page, said: "I'm absolutely overwhelmed by the number of people who have donated.

"There are a few people who have given money and didn't even know him at all. They just said they felt compelled to donate because they had seen it shared so much.

"I have known him [Chris] for about 15 years, since we met at the youth club at the King George's Centre, and he was a great guy.

"Everyone was there for him and he was there for everyone else, he was a totally selfless friend.

"He would do anything for anyone and always go above and beyond."

James is also running the Manchester 10k with two friends later this month to raise money for charity Ataxia UK in memory of the 29-year-old, who lived in Lever Street.

Chris' mum, Heather Montgomery, wrote on the page: "No words could ever be enough to thank each and everyone of you who has donated large or small.

"The pressure of a funeral is so great and this has just taken a very big weight off us.

"Myself and family just want everyone to know how much we appreciate it all.

"We will all miss Chris terribly and it is going to take me a very long time to come to terms with his passing, but knowing how much he was loved makes it a tiny bit easier."

Chris - whose condition eventually left him wheelchair-bound - also has two sisters, Kayleigh and Becca Barnes, aged 25 and 23. Neither of them have inherited the disease.

James, aged 26, added: "His brother sadly passed away from the same condition seven years ago, and so did their dad when they were younger, so we are doing everything possible to help his mum through this difficult time.

"I have been pushing the page everywhere and telling people to share it so that we can raise as much money as we can.

"He was the life and soul of every party and would always make time for everyone, putting other people's needs or problems before his own. He was the glue that kept his friends together, with all his funny comments, quick wit and always being the joker.

"His passing has left a hole in all our hearts and he will be dearly missed but never forgotten."

His funeral will be held at 12.30pm on Thursday, May 19, at St Thomas' Church, in Blackburn Street.

To donate to the fund, visit gofundme.com/2ert6qg4