Troy Philpott began to feel unwell early last month but was determined to play rugby. The next day, however, his condition worsened and he was taken to see his GP.
Despite the bruising on his body, the doctor sent him home with some antibiotics. Later that day, Troy's mum, Inger, called an ambulance and he was rushed to QEQM Hospital in Margate.
It was there that Troy, 13, and his family found out he had leukaemia. He was transferred to a hospital in London and underwent surgery after developing a bleed on the brain.
Tragically, just a week after being diagnosed with cancer, his parents made the heart-breaking decision to turn off his life support.
Hundreds of friends and family turned out for his funeral at Barham Crematorium, Kent. As his coffin was brought into the venue, the song 'World in Union', the Rugby World Cup anthem, was sung by Hayley Westenra.
Credit: SWNS
Troy's brother Kane was devastated and told the congregation: "He gave off such positive energy. I will never forget him and the way he went through life, always laughing even when the jokes were on him.
"We shared some amazing memories which I will never forget. I will pass them down to my kids and explain how much of an amazing uncle he would have been."
His sentiments were echoed by his mum Inger: "I loved his smile with those big blue eyes and smashing dimples.
"His heart was so big - nothing was ever a problem in Troy's world. He didn't care for possessions, just people.
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"Troy was my life, he was me and he was mine. The hole is so big that there's no bottom. I'm lost, I'm broken and I will miss him always."
Credit: SWNS
Troy's coffin was loaded onto a replica of the Optimus Prime truck, from the Transformers film series, which completed a lap of the field at Canterbury Rugby Club, where Troy was a promising youth player.
His parents wanted people to dress in rugby jerseys and bring rugby balls instead of floral tributes.
According to Kent Online, Del, Troy's father, described him as a strong and fearless number eight player. He was also a champion BMX rider, enjoyed deep sea fishing, learned to scuba dive and had started flying lessons.
A JustGiving page has been set up in honour of Troy's life and has so far raised nearly £5,000, including a £599 donation from Canterbury Rugby Football Club.
Featured Image Credit: SWNSTopics: Cancer