A four-year-old Belvedere boy died in his mother’s arms after losing his short battle with cancer.

Kane Shillingford was recently diagnosed with liver cancer and passed away at Great Ormond Street Hospital last Tuesday (May 17).

The youngster suffered from numerous illnesses throughout his life.

He had cerebral palsy, epilepsy, a shunt in his head to drain fluids from his brain and a tracheostomy tube in his throat to help him breathe.

News Shopper:

Kane Shillingford

His aunt, Alison-Jayne Stokley, 31, of Avenue Road, Erith, set up a fundraising page, which has received over £8,000, to help with travel and hospital funds.

The mum-of-three told News Shopper: “If people hadn’t donated, we wouldn’t have been able to arrange a funeral for him. It’ll now take place on June 13 in Eltham.

“The kindness shown has been amazing. On Kane’s Facebook page, I wake up to messages saying ‘good morning Kane’. The support is touching.

“We had a balloon release at Belvedere Splash Park on Friday. More than 250 people turned up. Even Kane’s favourite TV character Iggle Piggle was there.”

Kane’s mum Keeley Stokley and dad Gavin stayed by his side during his final moments - and while he battled through his various illnesses.

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Kane with his parents

He was born after just 26 weeks and only weighed 1lb.

Following his premature birth, it took him a year-and-a-half to leave the hospital.

Alison-Jayne spoke about how “devastating” her nephew’s death has been for the family.

She said: “I was at home with the kids when I found out and I told them - they were devastated.

“But, Keeley and Gavin’s young ones don’t really understand what’s going on. Kane’s twin, Archie, keeps on saying ‘I’ll just go and see Kane’.

“Kane’s eldest brother hasn’t spoken at all and is staying in his bedroom for most of the time.”

News Shopper:

Kane with his aunt

She added: “Keeley is finding it hard to accept Kane’s passing. He died in her arms.

“Our mum is hurting really badly, having to watch her daughter go through all of this. Gavin’s trying to be strong by putting on a brave face.”

Hospital staff previously told Kane’s heartbroken parents that he only had two weeks left to live.

The aggressive form of cancer reached its climax when the tumour burst inside his liver.

Click here to donate funds for Kane’s funeral.