'DOC TOLD X FACTOR LAD GROW UP'..HE DIED OF CANCER; Mum's shocking claim.

Byline: BY LUCY THORNTON

A TEENAGE X Factor contestant who died from cancer was told to "grow up and stop worrying" by a GP who misdiagnosed him, an inquest heard.

Christopher Chaffey, 19, spent 15 months complaining of headaches, vomiting, sweats, coughs, weight and hair loss.

He visited his GP six times as his health worsened, only to be told he was panicking, his mum Patricia said.

When a lump appeared on his neck, Christopher was finally diagnosed with cancer.

He died two days later. A postmortem test revealed a two-kilo tumour in his chest as well as growths in his neck and skull.

Patricia, 40, said: "At one point Chris showed me his chest which had prominent veins and looked like a road map."

She said he went to his GP but was told: "He should grow up a bit and stop worrying there's something wrong with him."

Christopher had a series of blood tests showing low haemoglobin levels but doctors diagnosed mild anaemia.

Independent expert Bill Holmes said the "abnormal" test results should have been "actively explored, not left".

But GP Joseph Austin told the Hull inquest he believed it was not that serious. He also denied claiming it was all in Christopher's mind. He said: "I never told him that."

Christopher, from Coniston, near Hull, auditioned for the TV talent show in 2006 but never made it past the first round.

Months later he had to quit college after his illness became too painful.

The inquest continues on Monday.

CAPTION(S):

HIDDEN KILLER Christopher before he was diagnosed