A STUDENT who achieved all his ambitions in his short life has lost his battle against cancer.

Nineteen-year-old Robert Broude passed away peacefully on December 18 at Christie Hospital's young oncology unit.

He has been described as an "inspiration" and a "remarkable young man" by his family and friends for setting himself a number of goals and reaching them.

Robert, of Scholes Lane, Prestwich, passed his driving test, attained brilliant A-level results and was able to fulfil his ambition of going to Sheffield University, where he had completed his first term before his death.

The brave teenager was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in 2002.

He fell ill in August of that year while holidaying in America with his mum, Helena, dad Peter and brothers Adam and Mark.

The former Manchester Grammar School pupil was suffering from back pain, weight loss and tiredness but doctors initially failed to find out what the problem was.

While undergoing physiotherapy for his back pain, a lump was discovered in Roberts stomach and further examinations revealed he was suffering from a rare type of tumour that only affects adolescent boys.

The Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumour began in his pelvis before spreading to his abdomen and within two weeks of returning from holiday, Robert was undergoing chemotherapy.

The treatment made Robert's hair fall out and he had an operation to remove the tumour in April 2003.

He was due to undergo a second operation in July last year as doctors discovered cancerous spots on his liver but just a day after celebrating his 18th birthday in June, the teenager bravely ran the Race For Life in Heaton Park with his mother, Helena.

The pair raised £700 for Cancer Research UK.

At the time, Helena, a midwife, said: "This has turned our world upside down but Robert has been an inspiration. He has achieved every goal and even passed his driving test during his illness."

Speaking to the Guide this week, his father Peter said: "Robert became an example to everybody because of his strength. He achieved what he wanted to achieve without inconveniencing anybody. He was remarkable.

"The cancer became almost an inconvenience to his life and he didn't want any special consideration. He didn't even tell anyone at university about his illness. He knew he was going to die but that didn't stop him from doing anything. Robert died peacefully and with a smile on his face."

Robert was actively involved with the North Manchester Jewish Youth Project in Bury Old Road, Prestwich, for more than six years.

The Project's director Sharon Bannister paid tribute to Robert: "From the time of being first diagnosed, Robert coped with his illness in a brave and positive way. He never complained and just wanted to be seen as one of the boys."