TRIBUTES have been paid to a 'one in a billion' 36-year-old after he lost his battle with a rare form of cancer.

Leon Callon, from Rishton, died on Saturday after a 17 month battle with gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST).

The self-employed IT consultant had embarked on a fundraising campaign after he was diagnosed with the disease, and so far almost £35,000 has been raised for charity by Mr Callon and his family and friends.

Mum Alison Young praised her son, who attended St Augustine 's RC High School in Billington, for remaining 'full of life' until the end despite having to battle the terrible disease.

Mrs Young, 59, retired headteacher at Pendle Primary School in Clitheroe, said: "He was a real character, he was absolutely full of life.

"He went 120mph at everything whether it was work or play.

"He wanted to leave a footprint on life.

"As soon as he was diagnosed he started fundraising, he wanted to raise awareness.

"He wanted to remain carefree and juvenile and nobody would be able to see how much he was suffering.

"He was absolutely amazing, all the way until the end.

"He was one in a billion."

She also said he will be greatly missed by the rest of the family, father Ian Young, 63, and brothers Ian and Ben.

The former pupil at St Charles RC Primary School in Rishton also leaves behind partner Klara and pet dog Elvis.

Just a week before he died, his family and friends had come together to organise a surprise black tie Las Vegas themed party for Mr Callon, who was in high spirits for the event.

Mrs Young said: "It was absolutely amazing, nobody would have realised how ill he was.

"His brothers both came over from the Isle of Man and Texas.

"He took over from the Elvis impersonator singing Suspicious Minds, and he brought the house down.

"I just wanted to thank his absolutely amazing friends who have been tremendously supportive of him."

Mrs Young said the money raised so far by Mr Callon and friends is to be split between GIST support UK and St Catherine's Hospice in Preston, where he received care before he died.

Fundraising efforts from different friends include completing a spin class every day for a year, completing the three peaks challenge, skydiving and a cycle from Accrington Stanley FC and Liverpool’s ground at Anfield.

A Just Giving page is also to be set up to help continue fundraising.

The funeral will take place at St Peter and St Paul's Church in Rishton on Thursday, March 29, from noon.

Contact Champ Funeral Services on 01254 390731.

Donate at www.justgiving.com/Leon-Callon.