A YOUNG boy with a “thirst for life” has died after contracting a rare blood disease.

Guy Metcalfe, from Malton, who would have been five next Wednesday, was in remission from leukaemia when he was diagnosed with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), and died last Friday.

The youngster, who had just started at St Mary’s Primary School, was diagnosed with T-Cell leukaemia in August last year and had since undergone intensive chemotherapy.

His parents James and Tracey said after a year-long battle, Guy was in remission and they were starting to enjoy life as a family.

“Unfortunately, seven weeks ago Guy started showing what we thought was signs of a relapse and was not eating and was extremely tired, which just wasn’t him,” said James.

“He was eventually diagnosed with a secondary, very rare fatal blood disease HLH and was transferred to intensive care at Leeds General Infirmary.

“Guy gave my hand one last squeeze before he was sedated. Sadly, we lost our beautiful brave boy on October 2.”

Tracey said Guy was a happy and content child who never complained or cried during his treatment.

“He was a little trooper,” she said. “Someone said that if he could choose a child they would choose Guy.”

Guy’s funeral will be held at St Peter’s Church, in Norton, at 11am on Wednesday, October 14, which would have been his fifth birthday.

“It will be a celebration of his life. Guy was a big Scooby Doo fan and we will have the themed cake I had already ordered for his birthday,” said Tracey.

“We are also asking people to wear orange as it was his favourite colour.

“Guy was beautiful, caring, happy, selfless bright little boy and loved to learn about things.

“He loved to be outside with a stick playing in water. Even at the hospital he managed to have a water pistol fight with the nurses.

“Guy had a thirst for life and knowledge. He wanted to live and be happy and make everyone happy and he did, that with all he came into contact with.”

A justgiving site has been set up in Guy’s memory to raise funds for the children’s cancer charity Candlelighters which has supported the family.

Anyone who would like to make a Donate can do at justgiving.com/J-metcalfe/.