A COURAGEOUS baby boy who fought serious illness throughout his short life has died exactly six months after being born.

Kian Simpson’s heartbroken parents reluctantly told doctors at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, Liverpool, to switch off their son’s life support machine on Thursday, after six months of watching him suffer from congenital heart and lung disease.

The tot, who lived with his mum Chantel Strange, 26, dad Steven Simpson, 26, and brothers Cody, five, and Logan, three, in Venice Avenue, Burnley, underwent his first operation at just two days old and was in and out of hospital throughout his life.

But mum Chantel said her son displayed a bravery beyond his years.

She said: “He was a happy child and was always laughing when he was at home and wasn’t poorly.

“We decided to turn his life support off because we didn’t want to see him suffer anymore.

“We’ve told his brothers that he’s a star in the sky now.”

With help from friends and family, Chantel and Steven are now planning fundraising events in aid of Alder Hey.

They are hoping to raise enough money to pay for a plaque with Kian's name on it to be installed at Ronald McDonald House, which provides accommodation for families whose children are being cared for at the hospital.

Tonight at 8.30pm around 100 lanterns will be set alight in the field behind Melrose Avenue in memory of Kian.

The lanterns have been sold for £1.50 each, with the money going towards the plaque fund.

Then on Saturday from 3pm there will be a fundraising day at the Railway Club, in Rosegrove Lane.

It will include a raffle, tombola, face-painting, live entertainment and a pie and peas supper. Admission costs £3 and children go free.

Chantel said: "People come from all over - as far away as Scotland and the Isle of Wight - to Alder Hey.

"The staff at Ronald McDonald House are fantastic. It was just like home and without it we would have been lost.

“Our family and friends have been absolutely fantastic and they still are being.”