Our brave boy

MIXING with the stars . . . Jason meets Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher

Words of tribute for little battler who took life in his stride
A BRAVE youngster has lost his battle with a brain tumour he’d had since the age of three.

The funeral of twin Jason Barfoot (11), of Rosen Square, Chadderton, was taking place in Hollinwood this morning. Jason had undergone surgery at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, Pendlebury, to remove a tumour which had doubled in size in October.

At the time, he was supposed to be going on a dream holiday to Disneyland, Florida.

However, his condition deteriorated and Jason died at Derian House children’s hospice, Manchester, on January 13.

His heartbroken parents James and Michelle paid tribute to their popular sport-mad son, who loved football, darts, pool and wrestling.

A keen Manchester United fan, Jason met Reds manager Sir Alex Ferguson along with star players including Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and Darren Fletcher last year thanks to a charity which makes dreams come true for children with life-threteaning illnesses.

In 2007, he was a mascot when Manchester United took on an all-star XI to mark 50 years of European football.

“Words” by Boyzone was due to be played at the service.

Michelle (42) explained: “It always reminds us of Jason. We went to Lapland in 2002. That song was playing when he saw Father Christmas.

“The house feels so empty without him. He was a great personality, very loving. Jason would give you his last penny, he was such a happy child.”

A pupil at St Luke’s Primary School, Chadderton, Jason was diagnosed with a brain tumour when he was three.

His parents were told it was inoperable as he underwent radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

James (52) highlighted his son’s bravery. He said: “He loved school and never missed unless he had to go to hospital for check-ups. He coped really well with his treatment. We gave him most of it at home — his chemotherapy tablets and his medication — right up to going into Derian House.

“He had a three-year period when he was perfect, we just had to go for check-ups. Then he went for a scan and the tumour had doubled in size. Nobody was expecting it.”

Jason was best friends with his twin brother, Anthony. The pair were in the same class at school and did everything together.

He also leaves five other heartbroken brothers and sisters — Jimmy (27), Collette (26), Kelly (23), Lee (21) and Kieran (17).

James told of his son’s excitement at meeting the United stars.

“He loved it. We have got lots of photos of him with all the players. He also loved being the mascot. He wasn’t nervous. He had been in and out of hospital that many times. He just took everything in his stride.”