Telford boy Khaleel, 12, dies in his parents’ arms after leukemia battle

The 12-year-old, of Trench, died in the arms of his parents, his family revealed on Facebook. He died on Thursday.

His family said: “We are absolutely heartbroken and really never truly thought we would be typing these words.

“Khaleel really did fight as hard as he could and he held on for so long, but enough was enough and he passed away peacefully in his parents’ arms yesterday afternoon.

“His little body had been through so much all these years, especially these last couple of months. He put up an amazing fight and he really really is the strongest young man we know We pray Khaleel is no longer in pain and is safe and happy and at peace. No words can explain how devastated we all feel.”

When he became ill his parents Kelly and Majid, of Woodhouse Crescent, were told there was a less than 20 per cent chance of finding a suitable stem cell donor because he was mixed race and they launched a campaign to raise awareness of his plight. A crowdfunding page has been set up to help cover his funeral and wellwishers should visit gofundme.com/give-khaleel-a-send-off-he-deserves

Telford Priory School paid a moving tribute to the youngster’s courage, after the pupil struggled to recover from a bone marrow transplant after an international appeal was made to find a suitable donor.

Gill Steinert, PA to headmistress Stacey Jordan, at the New Road school said: “We are extremely saddened to learn that Khaleel had lost his courageous battle.

“Khaleel touched the lives of all of us here at Telford Priory School even though he was with us for only a short time and he will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this awful time.”

Khaleel first became unwell in 2014 and missed all of year five at primary school while he was being treated. He got better and went back to school, but in November 2016 he was admitted to Telford’s Princess Royal Hospital and tests showed the leukaemia had returned.

In March two potential donors were found in Germany and in Canada after a global search. Stem cells from the German donor were used, but Khaleel struggled to recover and a rescue transplant using cells from his father was carried out two weeks ago at Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

The youngster’s story has gripped residents with dozens being inspired to register as donors after learning of the difficulty in finding suitable matches.