THOUSANDS of people have paid tribute to brave Jayden Wilson after his father announced that he passed away on Christmas Eve.

As previously reported in The Gazette, five-year-old Jayden was given just a year to live after he was diagnosed with an incurable grade four stem tumour in 2013.

Jayden, who was a pupil at St Mark’s Primary School, in Hatch Warren, was taken to hospital after falling over in August 2013, suffering a bump to his head which left him unsteady on his feet.

His parents – Michael and Lou – were then given the devastating news that Jayden had the tumour which cannot be operated on. Just 450 people a year in the UK are diagnosed with the same tumour, and of those, only two or three are incurable.

The family, including Jayden’s older sister Ella, then embarked on a series of activities to ensure they created fun-filled memories with him which included a dream holiday to Disneyland in Florida.

Jayden’s dad Michael also surprised him on his birthday last month by dressing up as his hero Spiderman and visiting him at their home in Beggarwood.

Announcing the sad news today on the Facebook page set up to document Jayden’s battle – Hope For Jayden – the family said: “Jayden fought an amazing battle. By far he was the most bravest person we know.

“But, unfortunately late on Christmas Eve, Jayden died peacefully in his sleep, warm in his bed. He looked so relaxed with a very subtle grin on his face. We believe he waited to be out of hospital to be with his family in the most safest place he knew.

“Jayden had such a happy life. What an incredible five years. We have told Ella this morning, who was deeply upset. We wanted to ensure Ella enjoyed her Xmas Day, and not to be a sad, emotional one.

“Obviously it was a very difficult day but we had the entire family around to help and be there for us. Jayden is now at Naomi House where they have made Jayden so comfortable. Daddy went to make sure he was looked after, which he was.

“He looked so peaceful with his Spiderman blanket and one of two Lego Spiderman figures laying on his pillow next to him. Daddy has the other one.”

They added: “Jayden to us, is the most inspiring person ever, fighting this tumour with all his might. We now remember Jayden as that cheeky little chappy, always smiling, playing with his favourite toys, on his scooter, enjoying school, and playing with his friends.”

Over 4,000 people have left tributes to Jayden on the Facebook page in just four hours.

People are also changing the profile pictures on their Facebook pages to a picture of Spiderman to honour Jayden.

Jade Golding said: “I've followed this page since the beginning and always think of you all. I looked on the page on Christmas Eve in the hope he was coming home for Christmas and was so happy to see he was. This really has broken my heart and I send so much love to you all. What an amazing little boy and family you all are.”

Mark Butler added: “Jayden you inspired a community, changed hearts and minds and your spirit will always live on in those who you touched. We will continue to run for you and every year will do our 24 hour relay in your name as our legacy for you, soar with the Angels now you brave, brave boy xx love to all the family x.”

Carrie Hubbard-Bateman also commented: “Just seen your sad news Michael & Lou, I can't find the words it's just so heartbreaking, he was a very brave gorgeous lil boy & we feel privileged to have known him, the kids thought the world of him. Sending our love to you both, your families & of course his special big sis Ella. We are here for you, heaps of love to you all. R.I.P to the bravest, coolest, cheekiest lil superhero xxxxxxxx.”

To leave a tribute to Jayden, use the comment section below.