Schoolboy Stephen Glasby died in his father's arms after a tenacious fight against a series of brain tumours.

The 11-year-old Millthorpe School pupil's family moved last year to Bishopthorpe from Thorpe Street, York, so there would be a garden for his beloved pet dog Jumble to run around in.

Big for his age, Stephen was a gentle giant, who longed to be playing outdoors. He was a football fanatic and a fearless rollercoaster rider.

The first tumour was discovered in 1996 and Stephen had to teach himself to speak again after undergoing 13 hours of surgery and months of radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

But he was never able to walk again unaided and his father, Alan, gave up work to become his son's carer at school.

Then in February this year more tumours were diagnosed and Stephen's parents were told nothing more could be done for him.

Surrounded by cards made by Stephen's friends in class 7RL at Millthorpe School, Alan and his wife, Angela, paid moving tribute to their brave son.

Angela said: "He still managed to write me a card and give me a present for Mother's Day.

"I took a picnic into the hospital and we were able to bring him home for a day but I knew we wouldn't have him for much longer."

Alan said: "It was Stephen who kept us going. We are just so proud of him and the way he handled everything. We have met so many other brave kids going through this and our thoughts are with them and their parents.

"The staff at York and Leeds have been so wonderful and so has the Candlelighters charity and we'd ask anyone who wants to give anything to make a donation to them.

"Stephen made so many friends at the hospitals and we just can't thank them enough.

"Barbara Edwards, who taught him while he was in hospital at York, became a great friend who kept in contact with him right until the end."

Staff and classmates at Millthorpe School have also been paying tribute to Stephen.

Head teacher Peter Whitcomb said the school was now involved in fundraising for the Candlelighters charity.

"Stephen was an incredibly brave young man who despite enormous difficulties took a full part in school life," said Mr Whitcomb.

"The courage that Stephen showed during his time with us will serve as an example to all."

Stephen's funeral will be held at Southlands Methodist Church, Bishopthorpe Road, York, at 1.30pm on Wednesday, followed by burial at York Cemetery.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.