A ‘HEARTBROKEN’ family paid tribute to a “funny and mischievous” two-year-old who died of a rare form of cancer last week.

Loved ones of Dawson Willcock have paid their respects after he died from a form of liver cancer, hepatoblastoma, on Friday, 24 November.

Dawson’s cousin and Andover man, Cole Hinchliffe, joined his family in starting campaign, Dollar for Dawson, to try and save his godson earlier this year.

Mr Hinchliffe’s partner, Emma Elsey, said: “Me and Cole are both devastated, he had a short life but he has left a legacy behind.

“I’ve never known someone to impact my life in such a short space of time like you did, I feel so grateful to have watched you grow into the most perfect twoyear-old.

“You filled all our hearts with so much joy, and I feel honoured to be a part of your loving and caring family.

“You fought a fight no-one of your age should ever have to fight.”

The toddler, of Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, was first diagnosed in January. His family held Christmas early after being told he might not live until then by doctors in August.

Mr Hinchliffe, of Eastfield Road, said a firework display also took place at Dawson’s, which the little boy loved and shouted ‘bang’ at the top of his voice.

Miss Elsey, 20, added: “Dawson was so special to us and he left this world being so entirely loved.

“We are so proud to of been a part of his life.

“We have so many precious memories.”

She said she would like to thank Andover Central Club for their support and for allowing her to hold fundraising events where around £6,000 was raised.

In a Facebook post, his parents, Wendy and David Willcock, said: “The bravest little boy we ever knew [has] left for a better place.

“Our hearts are broken and only being held together by pride, love and admiration for the child we brought into this world and cuddled as he left.

“Surrounded by his family that he loved so very much, he came to peace on what certainly was Black Friday.

“I’ve never felt so proud yet broken as I do now.”

Dawson’s family managed to raise more than £350,000 for the ‘brave’ boy, which has gone towards buying a caravan in holiday resort Butlins in Skegness.

The holiday home will be used as a retreat for other families and will be named ‘Dawson’s Home for Heroes’.

The remaining money will be donated to the Foundation for Addie’s Research - a US charity set up by parents who lost their daughter to the same cancer.