A MUCH loved eight-year-old has died following a four year battle with cancer.

Since he was just five-years-old, Tyler Witherall, of Benfleet, has been fighting tumours in his brain and spine, which made him deaf and blind in his right ear and eye, as well as paralysing him down his right side.

The inspiring youngster was initially told a year ago that we would have a maximum of a year to live, but his determination saw him battle on until sadly he died in the early hours of yesterday morning.

His grandmother, Dawn Witherall, said: “Yesterday at 3.37am, Tyler passed away after a four year battle with brain and spinal tumours.

“As a family we are very proud at how hard and brave he fought.

“Thank you so much for everyone’s kind thoughts and donations throughout his battle.

“We as a family are truly touched by everyone’s generosity.”

He passed away in the arm’s of his mum, Amy, at Little Havens Hospice.

Dawn set up a fundraising page after Tyler was diagnosed so he could fulfill his wish of going to Disneyland Paris with his family.

The community rallied around and more than £6,000 was raised for the youngster and he was able to enjoy the trip of a lifetime.

Hundreds of people have paid tribute to the “little fighter” who touched everyone’s hearts with his strength and character.

Lisa Jones said: “Tyler was such a fighter.

“He was such an amazing little boy. I wish I could take all this pain away from you all.

“RIP. The newest brightest star in the sky.”

Debra Caveney added: “Tyler was the bravest, strongest boy ever.

“What a journey. He taught me so much about life and death.

“He will always hold a special place in my heart.

“I hope his family find strength knowing their little boy was so loved across the world.”

A statement from the Danny Green Fund, set up in memory of Canvey youngster Danny Green which has supported the family, reads: “We are devastated to learn that the very brave Tyler gained his angel wings early this morning after a long battle with his brain tumour.

“Tyler was a lovely little boy, so full of fun and mischief and it was a pleasure to get to know him and his family over the last couple of years.

“We send heart felt thoughts and love to Tylers family at this incredibly sad time.

“Please spare a thought and send loving wishes to Tyler’ s family.

“They have been so brave during Tyler’s courageous battle and have very special memories of a lovely funny little boy whose smile brightened the room.

“Tyler will always have a special place in the hearts of everyone who met him.”