Cancer claims inspirational Jeff, aged 16

Published on Tuesday 22 August 2006 12:38

A TERMINALLY ill teenager who left his sick bed to help a struggling charity has passed away.

Jeff Vipond was being cared for at the Sick Kids Hospital after doctors discovered a tumour growing near his stomach.

The 16-year-old died with his family, of Wester Drylaw Drive, at his bedside and his death comes just months after he raised 1100 for a charity that supported his family during his illness.

The Children with Cancer and Leukaemia Advice and Support for Parents (CCLASP) had a funding crisis in March which spurred the youngster to organise a sponsored walk through Holyrood Park. The event was dubbed Jeff's Green Jaunt after the football fan, who normally uses a wheelchair, ensured his friends and family were all wearing Hibs strips before embarking on the walk.

Mum Molly, 36, a cleaner from Wester Drylaw Drive, was reported as saying: "He had been through so much in the last few years. It was as if his body had taken enough.

"At the very end, he made sure everyone was distracted so he could slip away quietly."

Jeff was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2001 but, following six months of treatment, the Pilrig Park School pupil recovered.

When Jeff's headaches returned last year, the family received the devastating news that the teenager had developed an inoperable tumour near his stomach.

CCLASP supports around 400 families across Scotland and transports children with cancer to hospital for treatment in a specially converted minibus.