A heartbroken mum has paid tribute to her "darling boy'"after his short cancer battle. Jayden Lamerton, 6, was diagnosed with high-grade brain tumour diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) in January and was given just nine months to one year left to live.
Devastated mum Chelsea Johnson said her son had passed away after taking a turn for the worse on Tuesday. She posted the tragic news on the 'Jayden's army' Facebook page, which was set up to keep people up to date with the youngster's life, reports the Plymouth Live.
She wrote: "After Jayden deteriorated last week unfortunately Jayden rapidly decided, he wasn’t able to take in any food and liquids due to finding it very difficult to swallow. Jayden spent the last two days at home but unfortunately started to have trouble breathing.
"After an unsettled night with Jayden, an ambulance was called early hours of this morning and it was decided that he needed to be taken in, because of his tumour and the brain giving the wrong signals. Unfortunately, there wasn’t anything they could do to help other than make him as comfortable as possible and help him with oxygen and keep him pain-free.
"Jayden didn’t give up. He fought as best as he could right till the end and passed away this afternoon in the secret garden with his whole family there right by his side."
Chelsea said little Jayden fought his cancer battle until the very end. She added: "My darling boy you were the most bravest boy I know, nothing stopped you from doing what you wanted to do and you really did fight till the very end.
"I will always be forever grateful you never suffered the way you were expected to and we managed to make the most incredible memories with you. I will love you always. I will forever be honoured to be your mum and I promise you I will live every single day just like you would have wanted.
"I will keep you alive forever in my heart and I will make sure your little sister never forgets you! I will always make sure your name is heard and your story is told. Until I see you again my darling boy I love you always. Mummy."
In January, Liverpool supporter Jayden, from Plymouth, ticked off one of his wishes by becoming a mascot for the team against Chelsea. Jayden's aunt Lucy Rhian Dawson told PlymouthLive that it would be "a dream come true" if he could meet some of his football idols, especially his favourite player Mohamed Salah.
Liverpool FC got in touch to say they had made arrangements for Jayden to meet the players, including his favourite Salah.
The young fan was given shirts, signed by the players themselves and was then walked out onto the pitch with his mum to the sounds of cheers from fellow fans who had heard his story.
The family also set up a GoFundMe page to help with travel, petrol and hotel costs, as they were taking Jayden to multiple appointments and making memories as a family. The page raised a total of £75,862.
Thousands of people have already paid tribute to Jayden. Mary Louise Stone said: "Sorry for your loss. Fly high little man you made some incredible memories that your family and friends will treasure for a lifetime. May you rest easy. Forever six."
Michelle Davies said: "So so sad ,and sorry for the loss, of the little boy with the biggest smile ,and the determination of a true warrior , rest in peace young man ynwa young Jayden xx"
Verena Love said: "Rest in Eternal peace Darling Jayden. May you play in Heavens parks pain free and watch over your family until we all meet again. Go fly high you beautiful angel and be with all the other angels in paradise. Much love and condolences to your Mummy and family."
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