A sports-mad teenager who fought a brave battle with cancer has been described as a “talented and much-loved young man” following his death aged 15.

Miles Stockwell, from Herne Bay, tragically died on New Year’s Eve - 14 months after he received the devastating diagnosis of an aggressive osteosarcoma in his leg.

The schoolboy stayed positive throughout his fight, despite undergoing gruelling rounds of chemotherapy and having his left leg amputated.

In September his family shared news he was in remission, but later the same month it was discovered the cancer had spread to his spine and lungs.

His condition deteriorated and he died on New Year’s Eve.

Tributes and messages of sympathy have since poured in, remembering a boy who inspired others - and raised thousands for charity - during his cancer battle.

His head teacher at Simon Langton Grammar School for Boys in Canterbury, Ken Moffat, says he will be deeply missed.

“Miles’ death is devastating for the school and our thoughts are with his parents,” he said.

“No parent should have to endure the death of a child. What struck me all along was the bravery he showed, which was truly humbling.

“He was always incredibly realistic about his diagnosis, but met it with a resilience beyond his years. He will be deeply missed.”

A natural sportsman, Miles played cricket for Whitstable U15s, football for Whitstable Town FC, and roller hockey for Herne Bay for 10 years.

In 2021, he captained one of the cricket club’s U13 teams, and went on to win the coveted top run-scorer award, and gain a place in the club’s U15 side.

Following his diagnosis, Whitstable Cricket Club posted on Twitter ahead of a fundraiser: “In true Miles fashion, he wants to give back whilst trying to hit this disease for six. Please be generous. You’ve got this Miles!”

Kent and England cricket star Joe Denly shared the fundraiser, along with former national and county cricketer Rob Key, who donated £100 and wrote: “Good luck Miles. Fight this as well as you play cricket.”

Whiststable FC has posted its own heartfelt tribute to Miles, saying: “Everyone at Whitstable Town Football Club would like to express our most profound sadness following the passing of our U15 Kent Youth League player, Miles Stockwell.

“Miles was a talented and much-loved footballer and young man who lost his battle with cancer this week.

“All at the club would like to pass on our condolences and love to his family. Miles will be genuinely missed.”

The post, shared on a Herne Bay Facebook group, has prompted dozens of messages of sympathy.

Simon Butcher wrote: “It was a pleasure teaching you on the hockey rink.

“Always had a huge smile. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family today.”

Miles first began experiencing pain in his left knee in late 2021, which his parents at first thought might simply be “growing pains”.

After the issue persisted, his mum, Sarah, took him back to the GP, and on November 3 he underwent an x-ray.

Within hours his family was given the earth-shattering news that he had an aggressive osteosarcoma in his leg.

The “extensive” tumour originated in his knee and spread to his femur.

Surgery to save the limb was ruled out, and in April last year he underwent a full amputation.

In September his family shared the news that Miles was in remission.

His mum said at the time how Miles’ journey had taken him to “the darkest and most terrifying places imaginable”.

“Not long ago, when Miles was very, very poorly, he told me he wasn’t afraid of dying,” she wrote.

“For a child to face that is utterly heartbreaking and I remember in that moment, being completely in awe of his strength, grace and beauty.”

Ms Luckhurst added in September that more than £50,000 had been raised for Miles’ future and various charities on his behalf.

But later the same month it was discovered the cancer was active in Miles’ spine and lungs.

He underwent emergency radiotherapy and in November entered a clinical trial.

Unfortunately, he did not tolerate the drugs well and his condition continued to deteriorate.

Tragically, he died on New Year’s Eve, but his legacy lives on in the awareness he has raised about bone cancer and the thousands donated to charity his name.

Miles was supported through his battle by mum Sarah, dad Tim Stockwell, older brother and sister Jake and Lauren, and his “absolutely amazing” school, friends, and sports clubs.