Footballer turns to nature photography after illness ends his career

It was in 2019 when Liam started experiencing stomach pains, a rapid heartbeat and general lethargy.

He had previously trained every day with Harrogate Town but the teenager, from Starbeck, found he could not even walk for five minutes.

His condition, HSP, affects the blood vessels. It can cause kidney problems and is often diagnosed in children.

He said: “I think we were quite worried at the time because none of us had heard of HSP.

“As we learned more, it seemed like it could be a pretty serious disease.”

His father, Dennis Pinchen, added: “With the whole illness and his condition, he just couldn’t continue with football because his fitness was completely gone.”

Liam also struggled to complete his education during his last two years at school.