'He made each day a better place to be:' tributes to Poulton teen after he dies following Leukaemia battle

Louie Jones, 14, was diagnosed with blood cancer 18 months ago, but was recently told he had just three weeks left to live after treatment at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital.

His cousin Reece Jones, who lives in Bradford, set up a Go Fund Me for Louie earlier this month, following the devastating news his illness was terminal.

He raised £13,259 to help Louie "live his last weeks like a normal teenager."

Louie's dad Glyn Jones said even during his illness, he never stopped trying to be Louie.

"He will be ever in our hearts, a boy who grabbed life by the hands and literally enjoyed every moment," Mr Jones added.

"He’s our world and will be missed by his family and many friends.

"No words will ever describe what he was like, he was well loved by everyone who knew him and made each day a better place to be in."

Paul Marsden, deputy headteacher at Hodgson Academy on Moorland Road, where Louie was a Year Nine pupil, also paid tribute to Louie in a heartfelt message to parents and peers.

He said: "We are devastated to announce that our friend and Year 9 student, Louie Jones, has passed away after a battle with leukaemia. Louie was 14 years old.

"Louie had been very poorly for some time. Since his diagnosis 18 months ago, we have been inspired by his bravery and the positive attitude he maintained, despite how unwell he had become.

"This continued even into the last few weeks of his life. His battle is now over, and he is at peace.

"The love and thoughts of everyone in the Hodgson family are with Louie’s family, especially his mum and dad and his sisters Rosie in Year 8 and Ella in Year 11.

"We are also thinking of our friends at St Chad’s Primary School, who have lost a member of their school family.

"Many of our students of course knew Louie particularly well, including his classmates in 9A and the rest of Year 9. The sadness at Louie’s passing will be felt by all of us in the Hodgson community in some way.

"In the coming days and weeks we will think about how we will remember Louie, and what we can do to celebrate his life. Everyone in the Hodgson community will have a part to play in that."

Louie leaves behind his mum Caroline, dad Glyn, and sisters Rosie and Ella.