COURAGEOUS schoolboy Harrison Ledsham, who won the hearts of St Helens while fighting bone cancer, has died, prompting a wave of emotional tributes.

The 12-year-old, who is from Haydock, had battled the disease since last year.

In a statement on Twitter, Blackbrook Royals junior rugby league club, who he had played for, wrote: “Just heard the sad news of the passing of Harrison Ledsham, thoughts with his dad and mum Paul and Karen, may he Rest in Peace.”

St Helens Star:

 

It led to an outpouring of tributes on social media, with an image (shown above) of a smiling Harrison, who led out Saints at in February’s rugby league world club challenge, shaking hands with South Sydney captain Greg Inglis, among the heartbreaking photographs being shared.

 

Saints RLFC, who had frequently lifted Harrisons’s spirits as he underwent cancer treatment since last year, wrote: “All our thoughts at the club are with his family. Sleep well little Saint.

“Harrison would light up the room when he entered. The players and staff loved having him at the club for lunch and other visits.”

Paul Wellens, the club’s former skipper, added: “Harrison Ledsham. We will miss you our little mate.

“Such courage and bravery in one so young.”

Andy Reid, the triple amputee Afghanistan war veteran who offered words of hope to Harrison after the youngster had his left leg amputated last year, wrote: “Life can be very cruel. Rest in Peace Harrison.”

Anthony Burns, a Haydock councillor, said: “Such sad news. What an amazing, inspirational, brave young boy. Thoughts and prayers with the family RIP Harrison x”

Harrison was a former pupil at Legh Vale Primary School and started at Haydock High last year despite undergoing chemotherapy.

His parents lost their daughter Abigail shortly before her second birthday to the rare Sandhoff’s disease in 2008.