12:32pm Wednesday 30th October 2002
By Joseph O Shea
James Haddad, the beloved son and brother of Robert, Sue and Christine, passed away peacefully in his own bed at 6:15am on Saturday.Since he was diagnosed with the illness in January he had fought a brave battle, encompassing gruelling radiotherapy, brain scans, and vast quantities of medication, but ultimately he was taken from this world at the tender age of nine.
Throughout his ordeal the St Mary's Junior School pupil remained an inspiration to those around him, retaining his incredible sense of humour, and enduring his treatment without complaint.
His father Robert said: "Right up to the end and despite the fact that James was on a liquid diet because he could hardly swallow, he always made a special effort to take his medication, which he knew was his only hope.
"James was always a very trusting son and despite the vast quantity of daily medication, he never once refused his dad to take it, I love him all the more for this."
After months of deterioration which saw him confined to a wheelchair, James' condition took another turn for the worst on Friday night, when his breathing became severely laboured.
Cradled in his parents' arms, while they whispered loving words of comfort, James peacefully took what looked like his last breath.
But remarkably and to the astonishment of nurses at his bedside, after two minutes of Sue calling his name, James showed his remarkable spirit and regained consciousness.
Robert took advantage of this time to prepare and reassure his son about the journey ahead.
He said: "James, you have to let go now son, Jesus and the angels are waiting for you in a place where you will have no pain, no tubes, no side effects, no discomfort please grab the hand of Jesus, go towards the light."
James listened to his dear dad for the last time and passed away peaceful, with a smile on his face.
o James' funeral will take place at St. Mary's RC Church, Wellesley Road, at 1pm on Friday, November 1, and all are welcome.
Until then he is lying in the Chapel of Rest at Rowland Brothers in Thornton Heath, and anyone wishing to pay their last respects should call 020 8684 1667.
The family has requested floral tributes be directed to Rowland Brothers or that donations be made to the James Haddad Appeal Fund care of Croydon Guardian, 854 Brighton Road, Purley CR8 2UX.
Personal messages for James can be left on the website www.caringbridge. com/page/jameshaddad/
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