A DAD has paid tribute to his “superstar” son who died after battling with a brain tumour, aged just 16.

Jake Whiteside, from Rayne, was diagnosed with cancer last year.

The popular Notley High pupil died at home last Wednesday, after spending months in University College and Great Ormond Street hospitals in London.

His dad, Richard, of Elm Walk, said he was always smiling despite the circumstances.

He said: “He was a superstar, anyone who came into contact with him will always remember him. He always had a positive outlook on life.”

Jake, a former Rayne Primary School pupil, was always active and got involved in a lot of sports, including table tennis and cricket.

He collapsed when he was in school and later found out he had a tumour in his brain.

He had intensive radiotherapy but ended up losing mobility and was in a wheelchair.

Although his cancer was a huge setback, his dad said it never got the better of him. He said: “He didn’t let the condition affect him. Even if inside he may have been feeling differently, on the outside he continued to be his normal self.

“He would spend time with his mates as much as possible but he spent the last five months in hospital and his time at home was short.”

He said a lot of Jake’s friends went up to London to visit him in hospital.

He was planning on taking A-levels at Braintree Sixth Form. His dad said: “He was a bit of an entrepreneur but he had a number one aspiration.

“We had been to New Zealand in March and he had already said he was quite determined to go back there and spend some time enjoying himself.

“He loved to get out and about and he loved his sport.”

Jake travelled around the world watching various sporting events with his family, including a football match in Italy.

He lived at home with his older brother Scott, dad Richard and mum, Mel.

Mr Whiteside said: “He had a good relationship with his brother, they had their moments but they were good to one another. “ He said the family had excellent support from the Wipe Away Those Tears Foundation and Clic Sargent while Jake was in hospital.

They are accepting donations for both charities at Jake’s funeral, which will take place on Tuesday at All Saints Church in Rayne.