THE mother of a popular teenager, who died in Yate just before Christmas, has paid tribute to her “brave and strong” son.

Tragically Alex McCarthy passed away at home on December 23, after being diagnosed with terminal cancer in October.

The former Yate Academy pupil touched the hearts of many with his determination to make the most of the time he had left, through fun activities with his friends and family.

The 13-year-old was working his way through his bucket list, which included a visit to 10 Downing Street, a ride on a tank at the tank museum and a trip in a racing car.

He also attended a surprise prom in November, put on for him by his friends.

“There isn’t one thing in particular that I’ll miss about him, because I’ll miss it all,” said mum, Rebecca Watts.

“From the cheeky way he poked his tongue out when he thought I wasn’t looking, to how he used to sneak chocolate cake - his fave - to his bedroom and then flatly deny it was him, despite the telltale crumbs leading from the kitchen to his room.

“And he had a cheeky belly laugh too that always had us giggling with him.”

Alex died at 10pm on December 23, just 12 days before his 14th birthday. His funeral took place on January 4.

“A horse and carriage took Alex from our home to Westerleigh Crematorium, and we pretty much brought the traffic to a standstill through Yate as we passed by,” said Rebecca.

“He had a bright green coffin, decorated in his favourite things: Marvel and DC Superheroes, Lego, RWBY - a cartoon he was watching on YouTube, chocolate cake, Bristol Rovers and dragons.

“At the crematorium it was a sea of green as everyone attending the funeral service was asked to wear an item of green, as that was Alex’s favourite colour.

"There was a huge turnout with family, family friends, along with his school friends and staff from the both primary and secondary school he’d been at, as well as the medical staff from the hospital, Jessie May and Charlton Farm.

“We played a song during the service, which had been written for Alex by my brother Jason.

"Jason had written it after he was first diagnosed a year ago, and tweaked it after we received the terminal diagnosis back in October, but Alex never got to hear it as he passed away before it was finished.

“I’d love for Alex to be remembered as the brave, strong boy that he was.

“He’d inspired so many people with how he faced cancer head on and the way he refused to let it stop him doing the things he loved.”