�The brave Collier Row boy who a community had come together to help as he fought a brain tumour has died, aged eight.

Alex Field passed away at the Harley Street Clinic in Central London on Sunday with his family by his side.

Alex, who would have been starting a new year at Crownfield Junior School this month, was the subject of a massive fundraising appeal in which local people raised almost �180,000 in a bid to keep him alive.

Comfort

When his condition deteriorated in June, he was flown out to Chicago for urgent treatment.

Despite the best efforts of the medical staff there, they were unable to reverse his condition and his family decided to bring him home to be with the people he loved.

In a statement, his mother Rachel Rodd, dad Tony Field and sister Georgia, 14, said: “Alex truly touched the lives of so many, and by the same token, Alex and our lives were also touched by so many wonderful people.

“It is some comfort for us to know that because so many of you cared and supported us we were able to make sure Alex received the best treatment and care that was available. For that we thank you all so much.”

Family friend Lisa Eccles said: “He was cheeky, really funny – he always had everyone laughing.”

Crownfield Junior School headteacher Gary Nott said: “The school was extremely sorry to hear of Alex’s untimely death. His classmates will miss him terribly and he will forever be in our thoughts.”

Dai Davies, president of the Romford and Gidea Park Rugby Club, said: “Alex loved his sport and was a popular member of our mini-rugby section. It’s a tribute to him that he maintained his sense of humour despite his illness.”

Money left over from his fund will be donated to local charity Wipe Away Those Tears and The Royal Marsden Hospital, Surrey. His funeral will be held on Wednesday at Forest Park Crematorium, Forest Road, Hainault at 10.30am. His family have requested that no children under 14 attend.

For more information about the funeral arrangements visit www.alexfieldfund.org.