THE mum of an amateur rugby league player who collapsed and died while playing the sport he loved says she has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love for the 31-year-old. 

Adam Cooper, known by his friends as Carney, died suddenly while playing for his beloved Culcheth Eagles on Saturday afternoon during an away game at Runcorn ARLFC, at Heath Playing Fields in Runcorn.

In the wake of his death, his mum Joy Cooper-Crippin, 57, has spoken of her pride for her son.

“I can’t believe how many lives he has touched and the nice things people are saying about him,” she said.

“I have tried to do my best but you don’t know if you have done a good job as a mum. It’s humbling.

"One of my proudest moments was when Adam gave me away when I married Doc. But now I’m proud of him as I know how loved he was.”

Adam grew up in Cinnamon Brow to parents Barry Cooper and Joy, alongside younger sister Natalie.

He attended Cinnamon Brow Primary School before moving to Padgate High School, now University Academy Warrington.

During his final year at high school, tragedy struck leaving the close-knit family shattered after his dad was diagnosed with bowel cancer.

But Adam showed maturity beyond his years by stepping into his dad’s shoes.

Mum Joy said: “His dad died when he was 15 so he became the man of the house. He did a good job as he made sure we were all ok and he did what he could for us.

“School was not his priority, he concentrated on us. He was very caring.”

Adam, from Culcheth, held down a number of jobs at Asda in Birchwood and Norbert Dentressangle in Woolston where he worked up to the role of a supervisor.

But his dream was always to become a HGV driver and, after four attempts to pass the test, his dream finally came true a few years ago.

At the age of 22, Adam welcomed his first child into the world, Esmai.

Two years ago Adam’s second child Ava was born and his family say it was clear from the moment she opened her eyes that she worshipped the ground he walked on.

While his love for his family was never in any doubt, they were always forced to contend with the other love of his life – rugby.

“His dad was asked to become involved with Culcheth Rugby Club,” said Joy.

“He was the ball boy, water boy, kit man – whatever they needed he would run around after them.

“They didn’t have a junior section back then but when he was 16 his mates told him he couldn’t wait around on the sidelines for any longer.

"His first position was on the wing but he has played in other positions on the team as the years have gone by.”

As a mark of respect, a minute’s silence will be observed before every rugby league game across all competitions this week in memory of Adam.

Almost £10,000 has been raised so far to help support Adam’s family as they come to terms with his death.

A club spokesman said: “The club has been overwhelmed with messages of condolences for his family and members of the rugby club. 

“The response has been heart warming and the comments left have brought tears to the eyes.

“With an initial target set of £2,500 this was passed within hours. Even after upping the target to £7,500 this figure was surpassed in an incredible amount of time. 

“The page will remain open as different fundraisers are being planned by people to contribute to the fund.”

To make a donation to support Adam’s family click here.