THE FAMILY of a 13-year-old Keighley boy who died before Christmas have thanked local people for their support.

Holy Family School student Kieran Duffy successfully fought cancer as a young child and had spent the last seven years free of the disease.

On December 9 he fell ill again, after contracting a sickness bug, and despite being transferred to Sheffield Children's Hospital for specialist treatment, died two days later.

A GoFundMe page set up in his memory raised £4,665 to help with funeral costs and memorials, with relatives and many other local people making donations or organising events.

A collection at Kieran's funeral raised £310 for the Candlelighters children's cancer charity, which had supported Kieran in the past.

Kieran was diagnosed with Wilms Tumour at the age of four, losing a kidney and part of his liver and spleen to the rare cancer as he endured at least eight operations and 50 chemotherapy sessions.

He was given the all-clear at six years old.

In 2012, Kieran dressed as his hero Batman to join 40 other friends and family to walk in aid of Leeds General Infirmary and Candlelighters.

Kieran's brother Callum said this week: "He grew into a lovely little bubbly boy who achieved all goals possible at Merlin Top Primary School. He started at Holy Family, a school he loved, and achieved everything he possibly could there too.

"Kieran was loved by everyone for his personality, and he was always willing to help anybody. It was a huge shock to the community when they found out the devastating news.

"When Kieran fell ill he was admitted to Airedale then transferred to Sheffield Children’s Hospital. Things escalated very quickly and there was nothing else that could be done.

"On December 11 at 4.04am Kieran passed away peacefully in his sleep. It was a massive shock to us as a family and the whole community.

Callum wanted to thank everyone who provided support during the family's time.

He said: "A balloon release in Kieran's memory was lovely thanks to everyone who attended. His funeral was a very busy, emotional day. Massive thanks to Keighley Cougars for the wonderful wake they provided."

Funeral director David Gallagher arranged a horse-drawn hearse for the funeral service.

Emma Templeton , who organised the GoFundMe, said: "Never have I met such a remarkable brave little lad like him, no matter what he went through he always had a big smile on his face and was always willing to help anyone."