A POOLE photographer has been left devastated after he was diagnosed with a life-limiting condition.

Chris Coope, 57, was recently diagnosed with motor neurone disease, a condition that affects his legs and ability to walk.

Due to the condition, Chris was forced to retire from a job he loved as an American football photographer.

He was diagnosed just after December last year and wants to raise awareness for the life-changing disease.

Now, a JustGiving page has been created to help Chris with the medical and living costs and has so far raised more than £1,600.

Bournemouth Echo:

The fundraiser was set up by the Bournemouth Bobcats senior team on behalf of Chris.

The team aims to raise £2,000 to help Chris through difficult times.

Bournemouth University’s American football team, the Bobcats said: “We would like to thank Chris for everything he has done for the team and send our thoughts to him and his family.”

“Hearing that Chris was diagnosed with the disease is heartbreaking to hear as a team.

"As well as being our photographer he was always talking to the players, their families and friends, and the coaches and always had the time to speak to anyone,

“He is genuinely one of the nicest people around.”

Bournemouth Echo:

One student called him a 'legend of the game.’

Another said: 'He's captured timeless moments with the team."

Chris has been a big part of the Bobcats for around ten years, photographing the team at their games or in training.

He was also the photographer for when the team won the Division Two South Conference Championship and the day that the team secured a promotion.

Chris also has other passions in photography such as motor racing and the annual Bournemouth Air show on the beach.

He has been a photographer since 2016 and has taken pictures for many teams, including the current Bobcats and Bobcats seniors, BU netball, Oakmedians ladies, Verwood cricket club, and the Armed Forces American football.

Donations can be made to the JustGiving titled: ‘We’re raising £2,000 to support Chris with any costs he faces whilst he deals with his motor neurone disease diagnosis.’