Heartbroken parents pay tribute to teenage son who lost his battle with cancer

Kieran Wood, 17, from Longhoughton, died on Wednesday, February 17, after a courageous fight against acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

He was diagnosed on February 26 last year. Having shown true character in the face of adversity, he was preparing to take a trial drug.

Sadly, he passed away before being able to take the medication.

Yesterday, his parents Stephen and Nikki paid touching tributes to their only son.

Nikki, 40, said: “He never gave up and he was determined that he would beat cancer.

“He was just a blessing to our lives and made us glow with pride every day.

“Even as his parents, we admired and respected his determination to fulfil his dreams.

“He was fun-loving, cheeky, intelligent, quiet, laid back, gentle, modest, well mannered, loving, strong and conscientious.”

Stephen, 39, added: “Kieran has filled our lives with so many special memories ­and we look back on all of the days we got to share with him with pure happiness.

“He was an incredible, lovable and very special son. Kieran will never be truly lost to us as we carry him with us in our hearts and thoughts always.”

Kieran’s death has devastated those who knew and loved him and heart-warming messages of condolence have poured in for the popular teenager.

His funeral, a private family service, will be held tomorrow – a year to the day that he was diagnosed with leukaemia.

This will be followed by a celebration of his life at The Plough, in Alnwick, at 5pm, which will be open to anyone who knew him.

People are encouraged to wear red, which was one of his favourite colours, and money will be raised for a number of charities.