A SCHOOLBOY has died after losing a long battle against leukaemia.

Eight-year-old Daniel Taylor died in his father Walter's arms at Derian House Children's Hospice, Chorley, on Saturday.

Daniel underwent a bone marrow transplant last summer and his family had hoped the operation would save his life.

But his condition had rapidly deteriorated in recent weeks until he was given only days to live.

Daniel was taken ill during a holiday to Blackpool at Donna's Dream House, a specially-run guest house for terminally ill children.

His grandfather Alfred said: "He died in his father's arms with his family around him.

"When he became ill during the holiday, he was taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital and later transferred to Pendlebury Children's Hospital in Manchester.

"Doctors told us that he only had a few days to live so Daniel was transferred to the hospice."

Daniel, of Shaw Close, Blackburn, was a pupil at Luke's and St Philip's Primary School, Blackburn. He leaves a brother Damien,12, and sisters Lana, 10, and Lucinda, six.

He was first diagnosed with leukaemia on Boxing Day more than four years ago and his family has since organised a series of events to raise money for Pendlebury Children's Hospital.

The funeral details have yet to be announced.

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