A young boy whose second battle with cancer inspired donations and messages of support from all over the world has died from his illness.

Jack Howard passed away on Monday at the age of just 13 after weeks of pioneering treatment in Los Angeles failed to cure his kidney cancer.

The Gravesend Grammar School student and his family jetted off to America's west coast back in September, but they returned to their Hartley home last month after it became clear the treatment had not worked.

His aunt, Keely Howard, set up an online fundraiser to help pay for his treatment and accommodation in the States, which when added to other donations raised well in excess of the £250,000 needed.

Speaking on behalf of Jack's parents, Nick and Zoe, she described the public support as "overwhelming".

She said: "We raised all that money, but unfortunately it can't buy everything.

"It's been overwhelming and we're really grateful for all the help and support, and Jack was grateful.

"As parents they did everything that they could, but unfortunately he slipped away.

"He was with his mum and dad in bed when it happened and is now in peace with his West Ham shirt on.

"The family are so grateful. They never thought they'd get that support and they're grateful that they had the opportunity to go to the States and give that treatment a go."

The head teacher of Gravesend Grammar, Geoff Wybar, said the school was “hugely proud of him” and promised his “legacy would live on”.

He said: “Students, staff and the wider family of Gravesend Grammar School were deeply saddened to hear of the death of Year 8 student Jack Howard.

“Jack was a very brave young man who fought his illness with determination and positivity. His impact will live on in all of us who will cherish his smile and his ‘can do’ attitude.

“Jack was immensely proud of his school and we are hugely proud of him. In a relatively short time with us Jack made a positive impression on so many people, both young and old.

“His life was short but his legacy will live on in those who knew him. Our thoughts are with his family at this most challenging of times.”

Jack, a former pupil of Our Lady of Hartley Primary School, had previously undergone chemotherapy and radiotherapy in 2013.

He also had a kidney removed before going into remission in February 2014, but the cancer returned in December last year. Six months later, doctors thought he only had weeks to live.

He took a dangerous turn just a fortnight before flying to LA, with UK doctors again unsure if he had days or weeks to live.

Once he and the family had made it to the US, the first consultation meeting cost £1,000 alone. The treatment was estimated to cost a total of £250,000, with a £75,000 deposit.

What followed was a strenuous programme of treatment at a children's hospital in Sunset Boulevard, where he was pictured enjoying visits from the resident therapy dog and LA Galaxy soccer star AJ Delagarza, a former teammate of David Beckham.

Jack's battle with the disease went on to receive support from across Kent and beyond, including a donation from his beloved West Ham United and a get well message from The Rolling Stones in Las Vegas.

Former classmates of his parents held a fundraising disco and classmates at Gravesend Grammar had a record breaking West Ham-themed non-uniform day, which raised £6,400.

Hammers co-chairman David Sullivan donated £5,000 and Jack's face was beamed onto the big screen at the London Stadium during a Premier League match against Southampton in September, as fans of both clubs dropped thousands of pounds into collection buckets outside the ground.

Two of Jack's Hammers heroes, Dimitri Payet and Sam Byram, called him on Facetime while he was in hospital and paid tribute to him on Tuesday afternoon.

Payet said: “I really enjoyed our conversation with Jack a few weeks ago, so it’s very sad news. I’d like to say thank you to everyone who helped treat him and wish his family well.”

West Ham co-chairman David Gold took to Twitter to send his condolences to Jack's family.

He wrote: "I am truly saddened to hear the news that brave young hammer Jack Howard has lost his fight with cancer.

"The thoughts of everyone associated with West Ham United are with Jack’s loved ones at this sad time."

Jack's parents, Nick and Zoe, both 42, spoke back in September of their heartbreak over seeing their son having to fight cancer for a second time. They and Jack's siblings, younger brother Callum and little sister Lucy, hoped the treatment abroad could be the answer.

Mrs Howard, a teacher at Jack's old primary school, talked of how her son wanted nothing more than a normal life, and wanted to be a doctor when he grew up.