Parents' tribute to Zac who has died from cancer

The parents of a nine-year-old boy have paid tribute to him after he lost his battle with a rare childhood cancer.

Zac Knighton-Smith from Rushden, Northamptonshire, was diagnosed with neuroblastoma in February 2009. It was the same year his cousin died from the disease. It is not known what causes neuroblastoma but the odds of it happening to two children in the same family are around one in 10 million.

Zac's parents have described him as a "cheeky chappy" who was "full of life". He died on 1st January after battling the disease for nearly five years.

His father, Bob Smith, said: "It's indescribable basically. It's just like a big hole." His mother, Sam Knighton, added: "It's just so difficult to comprehend that somebody so full of life can be gone."

His health started deteriorating over the Christmas period. His father told us: "He couldn't even have the strength to open his Christmas presents."

His mother added: "We've put everything into his room and just left his room exactly as he left it, and it will be quite some time before I can go in there and sort everything out."

Throughout Zac's illness, his parents were determined to stay positive. They raised money to take him abroad for pioneering treatment. "We did have our ups and downs, but we did have a lot more ups than downs, because we made it that way", his mother said.

Zac achieved a lot in his short life, even acting as a mascot for his beloved Manchester United.

At his primary school, the Risdene Academy, Zac's teachers and friends have left tributes to him outside the main entrance.

Headteacher Andrew Sears said: "He was a real character and very bubbly and he was an infectious personality. You know, his smiles and his joy of life really, really came across in school."

Zac's parents have said the money they raised for him will now be used to help other children and their families fighting the disease.

They are also keen to raise awareness of the importance of giving blood. Zac benefited from blood transfusions throughout his treatment which helped prolong his life.

Zac's parents nursed him over the Christmas period and were supported by the community nursing team. Zac's father praised them for respecting the family's wishes to allow Zac to stay at home where he died peacefully on New Year's Day.

Lauren Hall has been to meet his parents: