A mum today paid tribute to her "very special and extraordinarily strong" seven-year-old son, who has lost his lifelong battle against a rare genetic disease.
Ben Earnshaw, of The Commons, Prettygate, Colchester, died on January 30 after suffering from Alagille syndrome since birth.
His mum, Rebecca, said the youngster "shone like a beacon in the world around him".
When Ben was born, doctors gave him three weeks to live, but Mrs Earnshaw said it was his indefatigable strength of character that helped him defy predictions.
She said: "Ben was so special people always said he had an aura about him.
"Nothing stopped him, he did his best to do everything, even when in pain. He was determined not to slow down."
Mrs Earnshaw said: "Ben was very special, changing everyone's lives from the day he was born and giving us so many joyful moments.
"He touched many lives and we all miss him so much."
More in today's Evening Gazette
Published Thursday, February 10, 2005
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