A brave nine-year-old Shropshire boy who “touched many people’s hearts” has died after a three-year battle with a rare form of childhood cancer.

Tributes have been paid to Liverpool fan Kyle Beddoes, of Donnington, Telford, who died on October 27. A Facebook page in his honour has more than 1,200 members, and more than 200 people are expected at his funeral

The service is to be held at Wombridge Church on Monday, where dark colours have been banned and everyone has been asked to turn up in his favourite Liverpool red.

Kyle was diagnosed with neuroblastoma in October 2006, a disease that affects less than 100 children across the country each year.

His mother Tammie Shaw, said today: “Kyle touched many people’s hearts throughout his nine years on earth with us.

“No matter what pain or emotion he was feeling, he always tried to stay happy for his friends and family.

“Kyle is the bravest and most strong-minded little man I have ever met and I was so immensely proud of him.

“If a nine-year-old boy who has suffered so much and can still keep smiling and staying positive, all of us should take a couple of seconds to realise we should be grateful we are still living when others aren’t and who would love to still be here.”

Tammie said she was pleased Kyle had been able to realise his dreams before his death, which included visiting Disneyland and meeting his Liverpool heroes including Steven Gerrard.

“I would just like to thank everyone who helped me fulfil Kyle’s dreams and for making his journey so special,” she added.

Various fundraising activities were held for Kyle at The Bridge pub in Trench last August when Britain’s Got Talent contestant Stu Goldcrusher put on a strongman display.

The Lost Boys of Telford Motorcycle Club also put on a charity event at The Mallard in Brookside which included a member doing a bungee jump dressed as Santa.

The funeral takes place from 2pm at Wombridge Church, with a wake being held afterwards at The Bridge pub.

Family flowers only have been requested, with others asked to make donations to neuroblastoma instead.

By Wayne Beese