Northern Ireland

North Belfast man (26) who died from rare lung disorder was 'beautiful soul'

Marc Amos, who passed away on Monday at the age of 26, pictured with his fiance, Cliodhna Cosgrove and the couple's daughter, Darcie, who is now seven-months-old
Marc Amos, who passed away on Monday at the age of 26, pictured with his fiance, Cliodhna Cosgrove and the couple's daughter, Darcie, who is now seven-months-old Marc Amos, who passed away on Monday at the age of 26, pictured with his fiance, Cliodhna Cosgrove and the couple's daughter, Darcie, who is now seven-months-old

THE mother of a north Belfast man who died following a battle with a rare lung condition has told of how her heart has been "shattered into a million pieces".

Father-of-one Marc Amos (26) passed away on Monday night at the Northern Ireland Hospice.

The Limestone Road man, who has been described as "a beautiful soul", was engaged to be married.

Tomorrow when his remains come home to his family, a priest will bless the two wedding rings which would have been used on the day he was due to marry his fiance, Cliodhna Cosgrove.

Well-known in the north Belfast community, Mr Amos was involved with cross-community soccer team, Limestone United.

Having joined the team as a player, when he was a teenager, Mr Amos went on to help set up a junior side and worked with them as a mentor and coach.

Having been diagnosed with Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID) at the age of 13, he underwent treatment all of his life.

He later developed a rare lung condition and in recent times, the right-hand-side of his heart became enlarged and fluid had began to gather.

Mr Amos's mother, Chrissie described her son as a "beautiful soul".

"He was just so kind and generous and caring," she said.

"He was very funny. He would have picked people up when they were at their lowest. He would put people before himself."

Mrs Amos said her son was delighted when he became a father sevenm months ago to daughter, Darcie.

"He was overjoyed and he just loved her," she said.

"My heart is shattered into a million pieces. We are completely devastated and numb".

John Amos said his nephew had a "big sense of community".

"He loved the community," he said.

"He was always out and about doing things for others.

"We are immensely proud of him".

Brian Caskey, who co-founded Limestone United, said Mr Amos was "soft and kind" adding that people would miss his "presence and support".

"He always stayed positive," he said.

"He has left a massive legacy with the kids and the community."