A HEARTBROKEN family has paid tribute to a York schoolboy who has died following a brave fight against cancer.

Harvey Thompson, six, a pupil at Woodthorpe Primary School, passed away suddenly last week.

Having been diagnosed with a brain tumour in January 2014, his family learned the cancer was terminal in June this year and they tried to make his summer as special as possible with trips to the seaside and a theme park along with sister Savannah, three.

His parents Dave, 37, and Kerrie, 34, from Foxwood, have spoken of their pride at their son's bravery and said he will be remembered for his loving nature and for his infectious smile.

Kerrie said: "Harvey went along with everything, he never complained. He would say he had a headache, but he would say that and he would be fine.

"He had a way to win you round and he was very caring. If someone was upset he would stroke their arm or if I was upset he would say 'I will make you smile mummy'.

"He had a lot of friends at school who were always asking about him.

"We want to say thank you to everyone who has been asking about him."

She said they managed to do some of the things he wanted to do.

His grandfather Frank added: "He was a very pleasant, very fun loving little guy who just got on with things. Nothing seemed to faze him. He used to win people over with his smile."

After being found to have a large tumour on his brain, Harvey underwent a lengthy operation to remove it and was later flown to Oklahoma in the United States for what was hoped to be life-saving radiotherapy treatment.

When further tumours were found to have developed this year, Harvey underwent intensive chemotherapy, but the tumours continued to grow despite the treatment and doctors also discovered tumours growing on his spine.

With the support of When You Wish Upon a Star, Harvey was taken on a surprise trip to Drayton Manor in July, where the Thomas the Tank Engine fan was ecstatic to realise they were going to Thomas Land.

The family stayed in Filey and were given a holiday to Cleethorpes by the charity Kids ‘n’ Cancer, an organisation which supports families and patients to access proton therapy treatment, which also stepped in to support Harvey, Frank and Dave with living costs when they were in the US for Harvey's treatment.

An initial fundraising drive in York to help support Harvey and his family through the treatment in America was very successful and raised many thousands of pounds.

However, the matter became mired in dispute last year as the trustees of Harvey's Fund applied for charity status with the aim of using funds raised to help other children. The application is since understood to have been withdrawn.

The family, and the charity Kids 'n' Cancer, has said the money should have been used to allow the youngster to enjoy his final days, as well as covering the cost of his funeral.

The Press has been unable to contact current trustees of Harvey's Fund. Last year they said they were actively trying to stay in touch with the family but "lines of communication had become difficult".

- Harvey's funeral will be held at York Crematorium on Wednesday, September 2 at 11am. People are asked to wear colourful clothes. Afterwards, the funeral party will meet at the Quakerwood in Acomb Wood Drive from 12.30pm.