A COURAGEOUS toddler who spent his short life struggling with cerebral palsy has lost his battle. Patrick Bray spent most of his 18 months of life in and out of hospitals but never lost his fighting spirit.

Patrick, nicknamed Titch after his grandfather, has been laid to rest at Woodlands Chapel in Gillingham. The service was attended by many of the nurses who had cared for him.

His parents, Bob and Natalie Bray, of Britton Road, Gillingham, have paid tribute to the character and fighting spirit of their son. Mrs Bray, 25, said: "Patrick came into this world with nothing, but he left as a king.

"He was such a fighter, he never gave up. His death has left us feeling numb and lost. He was unbelievable and he taught us never to judge a book by its cover. He had everything against him but he just came out fighting."

Patrick had to undergo four operations, including two stomach operations, and needed constant care and attention during his life.

Because he could not swallow, nurses had to suction off saliva six times a day and he had constant breathing problems.

He spent time in three London hospitals but it was at Medway Maritime Hospital in Gillingham where most of his life was spent, and where a collapsed lung finally ended his brave fight.