The family of an "incredibly brave" teenager who died following a more than two-year battle with a rare, aggressive cancer has paid tribute to their "world".
Jamie Covington, from Godmanchester, died in November last year, nearly three years since he was first diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma.
In a "race against time", his parents launched a GoFundMe appeal in September 2024 in a bid to raise life-saving funds.
More than £489,000 was raised for the 15-year-old to receive treatment overseas due to the "extremely limited" options for a cure in the UK.
The funding enabled Jamie, originally from Royston, to undergo specialist immunotherapy treatment at a clinic in Germany.
Speaking to The Hunts Post, his mum, Sam Holson, said “The support from communities in Godmanchester and Royston and outpouring of kindness from people we have never even met, has been incredible – we are eternally grateful.
"The fundraising allowed us to seek specialist treatment abroad in the hope of a cure and gave our family precious time with Jamie that we would not have otherwise had.
"We miss him immensely, every moment of every day. We miss his calm presence, his positivity, his beautiful face, his warm smile, and fun, infectious laugh," she added.
"He was such a gentle, kind soul who had a quiet happiness, peacefulness and sense of fun, that was felt by everyone who knew him and no doubt drew his friends to him.”
"He wasn't worried about following the crowd, he was just him and that was really what was beautiful about him," she continued.
"Jamie had extraordinary strength and resilience and was incredibly brave. His easy-going nature meant he took most things in his stride despite everything he was going through.
"I've never experienced anything like it."
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Jamie was first diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma in May 2023.
After visits to Addenbrooke's Hospital, Jamie was told he had the high-risk form of cancer had spread throughout his body.
Despite nine rounds of chemotherapy and 23 rounds of radiotherapy, he relapsed after just six months.
Sam described rhabdomyosarcoma, a type of sarcoma, as a "silent killer", which "creeped up undetected" until it was tragically too late.
In a bid to keep Jamie's memory alive, she is working to raise awareness of the aggressive childhood cancer.
"I hope to help drive change - more research, kinder treatments, and better futures for other children and families. This will be his legacy.
"Unfortunately, everything seems to be about money. Frustratingly, the rarer cancers just don't get the funding behind them with childhood cancers receiving just a mere 3% of cancer funding. This must change.
"It's heartbreaking because when your child is faced with such a diagnosis there isn't the backing, support, research or treatment that there should be."
She added: "That's massively got to change and if I can do anything to raise awareness and get more funding to help keep Jamie's legacy alive then so be it."
Have you got a story you want to share? Get in touch at oliver.murphy@newsquest.co.uk or newsdesk@huntspost.co.uk
Book of Condolence for Jamie Covington
We have opened a book of condolence for Jamie Covington, an "incredibly brave" 15-year-old boy who sadly died after a more than two-year battle with rhabdomyosarcoma. This is for anyone who wants to leave a tribute to Jamie or condolences for his loved ones. Please know we will moderate content to ensure it remains a respectful space. There may be a delay in messages being made public as they require approval.
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