Nine-year-old Oliver Curd has lost his fight against a rare bone disease.

Oliver, from Peasmarsh, UK died at home with his family at his side in the early hours of Friday morning, 9 November.

He had undergone a year of gruelling chemotherapy and radiotherapy since been diagnosed with cancer in April 2006.

Oliver’s plight touched villagers who rallied around the family and raised money to provide specialist equipment.

Local pubs organised a sponsored head shave to show solidarity with Oliver and pupils at Peasmarsh Primary, which he attended, held a Bandana Day to raise funds.

This week his family thanked everyone who had supported them through the difficult time and had special words of thanks for nurses from the Conquest Hospital and Demelza House, children’s hospice, who cared for him.

Mum Sarah Curd said: “We have had a lot of support and we really appreciate it. We would like to thank everyone, particularly the nurses for their love and support.”

She said: “Oliver had his treatment, which came to an end in March, but then there was a relapse and the tumour returned. There was nothing more they could do to treat it.”

Dad Richard said: “Oliver realised his dream of swimming with dolphins when we went to Malta in May.”