TRIBUTES have poured in to the brave Widnes boy who has lost his long battle against cancer after raising £17,000 for Alder Hey.

Graham Manning, from Billington Road, died on Wednesday after more than 18 months of struggle.

Graham lost his right arm to the disease last autumn.

His final months included a holiday at Disneyworld in Florida and a day at his cousin's wedding.

His uncle Thomas said: "He died in his mother's arms on Wednesday."

Graham returned to Hough Green from a holiday and doctors at Alder Hey discovered that the cancer had spread to his chest.

"They gave him only six weeks to live, but he pushed through that barrier to survive for 10 weeks. It was quite remarkable, his will to live."

His auntie Rita said: "He was special to loads of people. He was just a very special little boy.

"After the diagnosis, his parents brought him to the Isle of Man for a holiday. He made all of us happy to be in his company.

"He loved his family, he just loved everybody," said Rita.

She spoke of his selflessness, telling the story of how Graham built and decorated a postbox for Alder Hey's cancer ward just months after losing his arm, so other ill children could post their letters to Santa.

Staff and fund-raisers at Alder Hey wrote to Graham's family saying: "He will always be remembered for being such a wonderful young man.

"You have very much to be proud of. Graham was unique, we always admired him for his bravery and courage. I don't think we ever had anyone like Graham."

Liverpool fanatic Graham, who celebrated his 12th birthday just a fortnight ago, became ill in 1996.

He dedicated his time to raising money for the Rocking Horse appeal to build a new cancer ward at Alder Hey.

The World featured Graham's story in November, shortly after he had a dream night out at Anfield.

He was chosen to be mascot for the game against Aston Villa where he met Kop icons Steve McManaman and Robbie Fowler.

Graham was buried today (Wednesday) after a service at St Basil's Church, Hough Green.

The family has asked those who might like to remember Graham to do so by making a donation to the Rocking Horse appeal.

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