Tributes have poured in for a "real-life superhero" after his tragic death, aged just four-years-old.
Back in 2020, young Lee-Joshua Hodgson was taken to his GP with 'strange symptoms' which included a cough and swelling in the groin area. But after a trip to the hospital, Lee was sent home with antibiotics, with the diagnosis that it was a viral infection.
However, after finding a lump on his knee and being told it may be a cyst, the family found themselves in hospital on Christmas Day where scans showed he had stage four metastatic rhabdomyosarcoma alveolar. The disease is an extremely rare and aggressive cancer that forms in soft tissue.
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Sine then, the youngster had been to and from hospital, battling the disease after he was given just a five to 10% chance of survival. But his dedicated parents refused to give up the fight, and with the community behind them they began to fundraise for private treatment.
Devastatingly, baby Lee lost his battle with the rare cancer, aged four, on June 26 with his parents describing him as a "real-life superhero". In a heartbreaking Instagram post, his parents described him as a "kind, caring, generous, happy and funny little boy" who had "fought every last breath".
Mum Keishia Murphy told the ECHO that her "perfect" son, who dreamt of being a bin man, had "deteriorated rapidly" during his final weeks after having fluid on his brain, before he lost his life at Claire's House Hospice - as she thanked them for all of their support.
An Instagram account was set up in his name, babyleehodgson, to share his cancer journey, with over 19k followers. After announcing his death on social media, hundreds of messages of support came pouring in. One person wrote on Instagram: "Utterly heart-breaking. We should never have to read an obituary for a four-year-old and a family should never have to write one."
Another wrote: "You beautiful little fighting baby boy, forever in everyone’s hearts and memories, your soul will forever live on", as a third added: "The most beautiful little superhero, forever in our hearts."
One user said: "RIP gorgeous boy you did not deserve this hope the angels are treating you well", as a fifth echoed: "This world has been cruel to you beautiful and courage Lee. Fly high and have fun, forever in our Hearts."
Baby Lee Hodgson touched the hearts of the Kirkby community and beyond, as dozens followed his journey and helped to support the family in any way they could. The ECHO previously reported on Kirkby residents Franny Briggs and Jay Murray sleeping on the streets in a bid to raise funds and awareness.
Since his death, people have been turning Facebook green, which was his favourite colour, as the family urge the community to keep it going. Green hearts have been flooding in as tributes are shared and taking to Instagram, the family also asked for support in getting Liverpool landmarks to turn green such as St George's Hall, Radio City and the Liver building on the day of his funeral.
Keishia added it was "amazing" to see the community continue to show their support and have their son's memory live on as he has "touched the hearts of the whole of Liverpool". Many tributes have come pouring in across Facebook as people share their devastation and memories of the young superhero.
Sharing details of the funeral, which received over 2,000 comments, Desmond L. Bannon & Sons Kirkby Funeral Directors wrote: "It is with great sadness the family of real life superhero Lee Joshua Hodgson have asked us to announce his passing and the details for the celebration of his life.
"A loving son, devoted brother, cherished grandson, adored nephew and cousin, an inspiration to so many. Baby Lee will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him."
Commenting, one person wrote: "RIP little man, you fought so hard, a real life super hero, fly high with the angels little Lee you have truly earned your wings", as another said: "A smile that melts your heart."
A celebration of life is to be held on Thursday, July 7 at St Joseph and St Laurence Church at 1pm followed by interment at Anfield Cemetery. Those who loved and supported Baby Lee have also been invited to Kirkby Sports Bar and Function Club after his service.
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