Tributes have been paid from across the Welsh sporting world to Morgan Ridler after the inspirational three-year-old died following a battle with cancer.
Morgan, from Swansea, captured the heart of the nation after being diagnosed with a rare and complex form of cancer in October 2021. He sadly died on Wednesday morning after being moved to palliative care, with his parents Natalie and Matthew paying tribute to their "beautiful boy" as he "started on his next great adventure". He would have turned four in July.
The inspiration behind Morgan's Army Charitable Foundation, the three-year-old was given an unforgettable day last week as hundreds of people lined the streets outside his home, while he was also surprised with a drive-by from dozens of supercars as well as an aeroplane flight and a trip in a fire engine.
Earlier this year, he led out Wales Women ahead of their Six Nations clash against England at Cardiff Arms Park as he was carried onto the pitch by his auntie, Wales lock Natalia John.
After the sad news was announced, the Welsh Rugby Union has paid a touching tribute to Morgan with a heartwarming video showing him cuddling and giggling with his auntie before he led the team out onto the pitch wearing a customised Wales shirt while wearing dragon face paint.
The emotional clip also showed him running across the Arms Park turf at full-time, laughing and smiling, while the caption read: "Nos Da Morgan. Our sincerest condolences go to Morgan’s family and loved ones."
Swansea City and the Ospreys have also paid tribute to the local boy, with Morgan having led out the Swans ahead of their derby match against Cardiff City in April. He was also carried out ahead of an Ospreys game by Wales scrum-half Rhys Webb.
In a tweet, the football club said: "Swansea City is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Morgan Ridler. We were so privileged to have Morgan lead our side out against Cardiff. The courage you and your family have shown has been an inspiration to us all. Rest in peace, Morgan. Once a Jack, always a Jack."
Meanwhile, the Ospreys tweeted: "We would like to send our condolences to Morgan's family during this tough time. You fought so hard and inspired us all. RIP Morgan, sleep tight."
Morgan's parents announced the tragic news on Wednesday morning, less than a fortnight after they were told that his treatment was no longer working, with the three-year-old passing away "comfortably" surrounded by his family.
In a Facebook post, Natalie and Matthew wrote: "MORGAN GARETH JOHN RIDLER 07.07.2019 - 28.06.2023. Our beautiful boy started on his next great adventure at approximately 5.30am this morning. He was peaceful and comfortable with his family around him. Although it was faster than we could ever have anticipated, Morgan was in control at the very end, knowing he was safe and we were with him.
"No more pain now, you fought so hard for so long, you always smiled regardless, you always laughed, you always loved. Although I wish this never happened to us I know that we are better people for having known and loved you. You’ve taught us to be be more and love more. In us you have inspired more love than I ever thought possible, you’ve created power for good and we are so grateful for you. Our Morgs. Our Squishy".
Morgan's Army Charitable Foundation was set up to support families of children diagnosed with cancer in south Wales. You can find out more via their website.
