Morgan Ridler's parents have shared an incredible tribute to their son following his passing. On Morgan's Army Facebook page, it was announced that the three-year-old had passed away at approximately 5.30am on Wednesday morning, June 28.
Morgan from Swansea was diagnosed with a rare and complex form of cancer in October 2021 at the age of just two. After a relapse, his parents Natalie and Matthew were told his treatment was not working and the focus would move to palliative care. The youngster was the inspiration behind Morgan's Army Charitable Foundation which has the slogan: 'No One Fights Alone'.
The three-year-old had captured the heart of the nation, with tributes from his loved ones, people from Swansea and further afield pouring in. In a poignant post shared on Facebook, Morgan's parents said that he had made them better people.
Read more: 'No more pain now' Three-year-old Morgan Ridler dies after capturing heart of the nation
In the Facebook post, they wrote: "MORGAN GARETH JOHN RIDLER 07.07.2019 - 28.06.2023. Our beautiful boy started on his next great adventure at approximately 5.30am this morning. He was peaceful and comfortable with his family around him. Although it was faster than we could ever have anticipated, Morgan was in control at the very end, knowing he was safe and we were with him.
"No more pain now, you fought so hard for so long, you always smiled regardless, you always laughed, you always loved. Although I wish this never happened to us I know that we are better people for having known and loved you. You’ve taught us to be be more and love more.
"In us you have inspired more love than I ever thought possible, you’ve created power for good and we are so grateful for you.
"Our Morgs. Our Squishy".
The post garnered hundreds of responses within only a few hours after being shared on the social media platform. The Member of Parliament for Gower, Tonia Antoniazzi MP, shared her condolences to the family. In response to the post, she wrote: "Sending you all my love and strength".
On the same post, others thanked Morgan for "bringing us all together through your toughest time" and thanked his family for "letting us spend time to be a small part of Morgan's life". Others said that the young boy had "gained [his] wings far too soon" and that he had inspired so many people.
Others noted that he had left a legacy and that the "gorgeous little man [had] captured the hearts of so many". One added: "We will never forget him and the extraordinary impact his life had on others. We will continue to raise awareness and funds to ensure that no one fights alone. Fly high beautiful boy."
Many shared their condolences with the family and that their hearts broke with them during this difficult time. One wrote: "My thoughts and light go out to you all. You have all been so brave alongside him".
In response to WalesOnline's post about his death, one reader named Shelly Louise Williams wrote: "Bless his little heart, always had the biggest smile on his face. He brought our community of Gorseinon together. Morgan’s army…no one stands alone. Sending love and strength to the family". June Evans wrote: "So sorry little one. You had the love of everyone who knew and followed you sad story god bless".
Others have also paid tribute on other social media platforms. On Twitter, football club Bridgend Ravens wrote: "We are devastated at the news of the passing of Morgan Ridler. Morgan fought a long battle with cancer and passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones this morning. We send all our love to Natalie and his family. No One Fights Alone".
