Fourteen-year-old Liam Fairhurst died on 1 July, 2009, just months after winning a Pride of Britain Award.

He raised more than £320,000 for cancer charities after being diagnosed with the disease in 2005.

The synovial sarcoma in his leg became incurable in 2007. He had already lost a friend to cancer so dedicated himself to raising money for a holiday home in Yorkshire for families living with childhood cancer.

His fundraising resulted in him winning the Child of Courage award at the Daily Mirror's Pride of Britain ceremony in October 2008.

He finally succumbed to his illness at home in Soham, Cambridgeshire surrounded by his family.

His parents, Mark and Sarah, and his brother, Callum, said he was "the light that shone in our lives".

Prime Minister Gordon Brown, who had been at the Pride of Britain ceremony, paid tribute: “Liam showed immense bravery in the face of his illness. It was a privilege to meet him. His dedication was an encouragement to all and I am very proud of what Liam achieved. My thoughts are with his family.”

Carol Vorderman said: "Liam made such an impact in his short life. He left his beautiful mark on many."

Sir Richard Branson, who presented Liam with his award, said: "I'll never forget meeting Liam. I am so deeply saddened for his family but I know through their grief they must be unbelievably proud of him.”

His family said: “Liam stood as a beacon of hope, courage and inspiration to so many people. The legacy he leaves behind will far outweigh the grief and emptiness we feel at this time. We would like to thank everyone for the support they have shown our family.”