A young man who was given just a year to live when he was 12 has died - aged 18.

Marc Raven, who became paralysed after having the MMR jab, died after a brave battle to reach a special milestone.

He fought a lengthy fight against subactive schlerosing pan encephalitis - an incurable disease caused by the measles virus - to see in his 18th year with a huge party attended by many friends and relatives.

It was pneumonia which finally claimed the teenager's life.

His proud mother, Carol, has spoken of the inevitable but beautiful moment he died on Monday.

She said: "Have you ever heard a bird sing at night? After Marc died, we could hear a bird singing all night."

Marc fell ill on Thursday, November 30, and was taken to Southend Hospital where he spent a "very sick week".

When his family realised how ill Marc was they rushed him to the hospice in Cambridge where he had spent a lot of time during his illness.

Mrs Raven, of Charles Close, Westcliff, said: "We nearly lost Marc on Saturday but he pulled through. That boy was definitely hanging on for something.

"We took him to Cambridge the next day - half-an-hour after the family arrived, he passed away."

Marc died at 6.40pm on Monday.

Mrs Raven said: "I feel relieved we got Marc to where he obviously wanted to be. He was in a normal bed in a normal room. He was surrounded by family and he was peaceful.

"It was the best way it could have been. It was so beautiful. I cherish every second I had with Marc. He hung on as long as he could. He had just had enough.

"I am so glad it did not go on for a long time. He was so special and did not deserve to suffer."

Several fundraising events have been held in Southend to buy special equipment to improve Marc's life.

Mrs Raven wanted to thank all those people who have helped her son.

She said: "I know a lot of people will want to come to the funeral as Marc touched a lot of lives."

Funeral arrangements have yet to be finalised.

Milestone - Marc Raven enjoys the company of friends and family on his 18th birthday in August, a date which for him held particular importance

By Kelly Clark

Reporter's e-mail: kellyc@notes.newsquest.co.uk

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