Friends and family of a ten-year-old boy who died of cancer have said goodbye to a courageous and compassionate youngster.

Declan Heath, of Ashley Road, Dovercourt, died of cancer on January 8. His funeral service was held yesterday afternoon at St Nicholas's Church, Harwich.

Several of his schoolmates from Mayflower Primary School, Dovercourt, sang a hymn, and headteacher Margaret North read a poem before a packed church.

A poem from Karen Wallace, Declan's class teacher, was read out, which said: "I am humbled by how you can maintain such a sense of humour.

"I take my petty troubles and watch them pale into insignificance beside the enormity of the battles you fight.

"Because of you I have learnt to be a better person with a bigger heart, and I'm grateful that I am privileged enough to know you and learn from you. Thank you for being my teacher."

A mosaic of memories created by pupils is now in the school.

Declan fought cancer for 18 months and was the first child in Britain to undergo a pioneering operation, which will now be used to help others.

Several residents raised hundreds of pounds for charity as they supported Declan's battle.

Declan was christened on the day he died. His godmother said: "He was a beautiful and compassionate child with a cheeky grin and straightforward manner."

Published Wednesday January 21, 2004

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