BRAVE Paul Creighton has lost his battle with leukaemia.

On Tuesday the 20-year-old, whose active lifestyle was shattered when cancer struck him three years ago, died in Wigan & Leigh Hospice.

Paul, of Eastwood Grove, Leigh, died just six months after The Journal helped launch an appeal to send him on a holiday of a lifetime.

And, in their moment of sadness, his mum and dad, Anne and Ian, expressed their gratitude to the many people who helped Paul realise a dream.

Fundraisers generously backed an appeal to send Paul on a Disneyworld holiday.

The family decided he should enjoy it before he became too ill after a planned second stem transplant operation had to be cancelled.

Anne said: "Paul had a wonderful holiday and really enjoyed the Disney trip.

"We are so grateful to everyone who helped raise funds, and organisers Ann Anderton, Mavis Dean, Leigh Centurions and Leigh East, Collectors Corner, Firs Lane Post Office and friends and work colleagues."

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