A grieving couple today paid tribute to their battling teenage son who fought against cancer "to the bitter end".

Chris and Joy Smith told how Gareth, their only child, was first diagnosed with a brain tumour as he approached his 11th birthday.

They believed the courageous youngster, from Acre Place, Wibsey, had conquered the disease when doctors gave him the all-clear after eight months of treatment.

But two years ago the 18-year-old was struck down again and he finally died holding his parents' hands at home on Monday. Today his dad Chris, 51, said: "I will just remember him as being an extremely brave lad.

"He never moaned or complained even when he had to go through courses of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. He had to take steroids which made him obese and he couldn't go out and play sport and things like other youngsters - but he just went on as best he could."

The couple first realised things were wrong when Gareth developed severe headaches, lost his balance and suffered bouts of vomiting.

They immediately took him to hospital and within days he was receiving treatment for the large tumour.

But the illness didn't stop Gareth - who went to Wibsey first and middle schools and then on to Buttershaw Upper School - developing a passion for Manchester United.

Postman Chris said: "I am a Leeds fan and so there was always lots of banter between us. He loved nothing more than to go to Wibsey Working Men's Club to watch games on the big screen.

"He was witty and always had a joke or two. He loved the joking in the bar."

Now Gareth's beloved Man Utd memorabilia - including a signed football - is to be auctioned in aid of a cancer charity.

After being diagnosed in July 1992, Gareth underwent weeks of treatment and by March 1993 seemed to be in remission.

The family even enjoyed a trip to Florida with the help of funds raised by wellwishers.

"He still had to go back for regular check ups but, as the years went by, I began to think he had beaten it," said Chris.

But in 1998 came the dreaded news that the tumour had returned - and that cancer had now spread through much of his spine.

Joy, 42, said: "It was soon clear that nothing could be done. The tumour affected his balance, hearing and sight but he just got on with things as best he could."

After the hospital could do no more, the couple nursed him in the lounge of their terrace home. Both held his hands as he passed away at 3am on Monday.

"He fought it until the bitter end but then I just think that he was tired - he just had nothing left to fight with," said Joy.

The funeral takes place at Scholemoor Crematorium tomorrow at 1.30pm.

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