HOPES of a major organ transplant came too late to save a young Dewsbury man.

Gavin Morgan died aged 22 after losing his lifelong battle with a debilitating illness.

Just three days earlier, he had been told by surgeons at Dewsbury District Hospital they were considering a massive operation to give him a new heart and kidneys.

His grieving mother, Carolyn, 57, said of the day the operation was discussed: "He came home shaking. He just wanted the chance to live a normal life. He just wanted to see what it was like to be normal for a little while."

Despite his condition, Gavin lived for his family, friends, cars and music.

For years, the mystery illness baffled doctors. But when he was 16, he was diagnosed with sarcoidosis, a condition that causes inflammation of the organs, particularly the lungs.

He needed dialysis three times a week and had a heart condition. He was eventually put on a permanent course of steroids and at one point was prescribed 23 tablets a day.

A month ago, he and his mum moved into a new flat at Batley Carr where she could care for him.

"Once you met Gavin you never forgot him," she said. "He had lots of friends. He was wonderful and he was very close to his brothers and sisters."

Gavin leaves Guiseppe, 39, Roberto, 38, Maria, 36, Glen, 34 Paula, 27 and Siobhan, 19, as well as many nephews, nieces and cousins.

Another sister, Lisa, died in 1996 at the age of 22.

Mrs Morgan described the pain of losing two children: "One lot of tears goes, another comes. That's just how it is. It's so traumatic. I wouldn't wish it on anybody."

Much of her son's education was disrupted by visits to hospital. He was a pupil of Boothroyd Junior and Westborough High schools in Dewsbury.

He was born in Lowerhouses. The family moved to Dewsbury and then to Huddersfield Road, Mirfield, where they remained for 11 years.

Gavin nearly died at Easter from two heart attacks. But staff at St James's Hospital in Leeds saved him.

"They gave us extra time with us," said his heartbroken mum.

Gavin's funeral was held yesterday at All Hallows Parish Church in Westgate. He was buried at Almondbury Cemetery alongside Lisa.