Hero boy, 14, dies of rare cancer days after brave visit to mural in his honour

18 March 2023 , 20:59

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Dylan Reid, pictured with his mum Kelly Ann Moore, has tragically died aged just 14 (Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)

A 14-year-old boy with leukaemia has died days after visiting a mural in his honour.

The family of Dylan Reid say he fought cancer until the very end, and will never be forgotten by his loved ones. 

He was first diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in November 2020, and had had surgery to removed a tumour, as well as three rounds of chemotherapy to kill cancerous cells.

Dylan had recently returned home to Newcastle upon Tyne from Liverpool following the devastating news from doctors that he may not have long to live. 

A few days after he went to the surprise mural unveiling in his honour in Ouseburn, his condition deteriorated and he died in hospital at Royal Victoria Infirmary.

Baby boy has spent his life in hospital as doctors are 'scared' to discharge him

His aunt, Danielle, told Chronicle Live: "Dylan went back to his mam's house for dinner on Sunday and he started to get a bit tired. By Monday he was asleep pretty much all day and then on Tuesday morning he was gone, it happened so quick.

Dylan at a mural in his honour with his mum Kelly Ann Moore, sister Maddie and her partner Ryan Moore (Iain Buist / Newcastle Chronicle)

"We are broken. We knew it was going to come to an end at some point, but we didn't think it would be that quick. But we have many fond memories of Dylan, we have his wall and many events coming up in his memory. We'll never forget him, never ever."

Danielle added: "He's out of pain now, he's peaceful. He's not having people prodding and poking him on a daily basis and having to go through all of those horrific treatments. 

"We'd like people to remember him as a sassy little boy with his own unique personality, he was his own person. He was one of those who you will never forget."

Dylan is presented with a signed Newcastle United shirt by MC Tazo and his son Tyler (Iain Buist / Newcastle Chronicle)

Dylan's mum Kelly Ann Moore, speaking at the mural event days before his death, had described her son as "a bubbly person", adding: "He's very sassy, he's always smiling. He won’t let it get him down."

His funeral will be held at Tynemouth Crematorium on March 31 at noon, with a request of family flowers only.

During his life, supporters had rallied round for Dylan, with a GoFundMe page set up raising £3,707. 

A Dance For Dylan 2 DJ event for his family is due to be held at Cosmic Ballroom on March 25.

James Tute