Brave Sheffield boy, 3, whose story touched thousands ‘takes last breath of air’ after cancer battle

A brave Sheffield boy whose story touched the hearts of thousands has lost his battle with cancer.
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Jack Lacey, from Loxley, was just three when he was diagnosed with an incurable brain tumour last year.

His devastated parents Wesley Lacey and Rebecca Oldham appealed for help to raise money so they could fill the rest of his short life with joy – and people responded in their droves, donating nearly £50,000.

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In a heartbreaking update on the fundraising page yesterday, Monday, February 10, they revealed he had died.

Jack Lacey with his mum Rebecca OldhamJack Lacey with his mum Rebecca Oldham
Jack Lacey with his mum Rebecca Oldham

“Today, Jack took his last breath of air surrounded by those most close to him, mummy Rebecca, Daddy Wes and sister Charlotte,” wrote Wesley.

“He'd been struggling like crazy and it was absolutely horrific to be part of. It was excruciating to see and he was so full of life right to the end. He fell asleep laid on his dad's lap looking at photos with his mum and Lottie of our adventures together.”

The news comes just days after they had posted an update thanking everyone for their donations and messages of love, support and prayers.

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In it, they told how they had a ‘great’ Christmas, ‘full of fun, laughter and presents’ and ‘made some memories that will be cherished forever’.

Jack Lacey with mum Rebecca Oldham, dad Wesley and sister CharlotteJack Lacey with mum Rebecca Oldham, dad Wesley and sister Charlotte
Jack Lacey with mum Rebecca Oldham, dad Wesley and sister Charlotte

They described how they had been on holiday to Gran Canaria – their eighth break since creating the fundraising page last March – and Jack had been in ‘great spirits’ all holiday, ‘even looking after and cheering up his little sister who had a cold for the first couple of days rather than demanding to go in the pools’.

They recalled how they had enjoyed an ‘amazing year’ with Jack and were grateful for getting that time together.

Tributes have already begun pouring in to Jack, whose proud parents previously described him as an ‘amazing, charming, brave, independent and strong willed’ youngster.

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Laura Burn wrote: “I hope the money raised has enabled you to make many many wonderful memories of the time with him and for him to have fun with you whilst enduring this so courageously. Sending you all the hugest of hugs.”

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