“THANK you for being the brightest and only star in the sky.”

Those are the words of the heartbroken parents of nine-year-old cancer fighter Alex Prescott who died last week after a long and courageous battle with leukaemia.

Alex, from Parr, died on Tuesday, June 12 at the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital from the disease he has been battling since 2015.

His bravery led to him winning the Pride of St Helens Child of Courage award last year.

Speaking to the Star, his parents Michelle and James Prescott, said: “It’s hard to know what to say at the moment in such a dark time for us.

“Alex was always the light that shined the way through with his courage and bravery. Even since he flew to heaven we’re still looking to draw from his courage to help us carry on strong.

“He will always be our beautiful and clever, nine-year-old gentleman who showed courage and maturity much beyond his years.

“He was always a role model for his younger brothers and each day we see a huge piece of Alex in them and with this we know they will grow into fine young men.

“He was unfortunate to have been dealt the cards he had, but he played them the best way he could. It was an honour and a privilege to be his dad and be there to support my hero through all the difficult times. He will be sorely missed.

“The community of the world rooted for Alex to get well and beat this but it just became one battle too many and unfortunately he lost the war against cancer.

“Our family would like to thank everyone of his supporters from along this tiresome journey and thank the loving and caring staff from the oncology and stem cell units of the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital for their tireless efforts to make Alex better again.”

Following the devastating news, more than 960 tributes have flooded into the Alex’s Heroic Battle Facebook page, which detailed his fight with cancer.

One tribute from Alex’s former school, Broad Oak Primary, said: “Back in 2013, we welcomed a little boy into our Broad Oak family who was full of fun, eager to learn with an ever present smile.

“We taught him English, maths and science but he taught us so much more about bravery, resilience, strength and positivity. Thank you Alex.

“We send our love and thoughts to all who battled with him through his heroic journey. He, his brothers, Mum and Dad will always be a special part of us.”

Michelle and James broke the news at 11.25pm on June 12 via Facebook: “It is with an incredibly heavy heart that we tell you this evening, our hero Alex grew his angel wings and flew to heaven.

“He found peace within cuddles from his mummy and me and has now moved on to a pain free place.”

“His beautiful face, witty banter, gentlemanly manners and everything that made him the best person we know will be sorely missed by all who were privileged to know him.

“We could never be more proud of you son for never giving up.

“You were the best role model for your brothers. You spread happiness and joy in everything you do, and we are so thankful and privileged to be your parents Alex “Sweet dreams son, goodnight god bless, and we love you more than you do. Dream of us and we’ll dream of you.

“Thank you for being the brightest and only star in the sky tonight. You were the brightness in our lives.”

Alex’s funeral will be held at St Helens Crematorium at 12.30pm on Wednesday, June 27, which will be followed by a wake at Blackbrook Rugby Club.

All Alex’s friends and family and supporters are welcome and have been invited to wear something green – Alex’s favourite colour by his family.

Michelle and James have asked that any flowers be sent to F W Marsh funeral directors on Parr Stocks Road.

Any donations will be split between the stem cell unit at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital which treated Alex and the Ronald McDonald House in Manchester.