Brave Jamie, 7, loses fight against rare cancer (From York Press)

Brave Jamie, 7, loses fight against rare cancer

6:20am Wednesday 16th January 2013 in News

Jamie Inglis

BRAVE York youngster Jamie Inglis has lost his fight against the rare childhood cancer neuroblastoma, his parents have announced. 

The seven year old passed away in hospital in Tubingen in Germany, where he had been receiving specialist treatment.

Jamie, a pupil at Lord Deramore's Primary in Heslington, had fought resolutely against the illness in recent years and his plight had touched thousands of people across York and beyond.

His parents Vicky and John announced his death this morning on their facebook page, Keep Jamie Smiling.

Vicky wrote: "We have been truly blessed to bring such an amazing child into this world. Neuroblastoma only seeks out the best. The best is what Jamie is. Jamie fought with such dignity and to that end we owed him dignity at the very least.

"As his mummy, I can take comfort in knowing that the beginning of eternal sleep was completely dignified and with the advice of the remarkable team, that dignified time had arrived.

"We have nothing but complete admiration and respect for everyone involved in Jamie's care since we arrived here in Germany. The last two months have been the most difficult for Jamie and everyone involved but we have all done everything we can.

"The team took into account all of our wishes to every last detail, which meant that eternal sleep arrived with mummy lying next to him and daddy holding his hand. We were so fortunate to be able to say goodbye properly."

Jamie looked to have defied the doctors in 2009 when he was given the all-clear after a courageous fight against neuroblastoma but he suffered a relapse last year.

The lack of available treatment on the NHS meant his family twice had to raise hundreds of thousands of pounds for treatment overseas, backed by the Neuroblastoma Alliance, and thousands of people in York donated to the cause.

Donations to the charity can still be made at justgiving.com/jamiesappeal

Jamie was twice a joint winner in The Press Community Pride Awards Child of The Year category.

Among the tributes already being paid to Jamie reflect his courage and his smile while also recognising his proud parents' love for him

One well-wisher this morning wrote on Jamie's Facebook page: "Vicky and John truly amazing, unbelievable and dignified parents of an amazing and truly courageous and brave hero."

Another person wrote: "All the family are in my thoughts at this time. Jamie you were such an inspiration, Sleep tight little man."

Tributes to Jamie and messages of condolence may be left below.