THE father of a baby boy who died at the weekend after battling a rare and aggressive cancer has thanked all those who have given support.

Jacob Johnson died at his home in Crook, County Durham, on Saturday morning (February 15) surrounded by friends and family.

His father Daniel said he wanted to thank all those who have supported them during a traumatic few months.

Jacob was diagnosed with a malignant rhabdoid tumour (MRT) in July last year, when he was six months old, after a lump the size of a drink's can appeared on his head.

He underwent an operation to have the lump removed and an intensive course of chemotherapy, but tumours returned and spread into his lungs.

Last month, his family threw a big party to celebrate Jacob’s first birthday.

Despite the diagnosis that his condition was terminal, Mr Johnson said he was not prepared for how quickly he would lose Jacob.

He said: “We knew it would end this way but did not think it would come so soon.

“It was just so quick, on Tuesday we had been to a play park and he had a great time.

“Then on Friday he was at home on a machine.

“He died on Saturday morning on my knee at home with the family around.

“It was torture, I couldn’t have watched him suffer for any longer.”

Mr Johnson said many people had visited him over the weekend to say goodbye to Jacob.

He said: “I want to say thank you to everyone who supported us, the support has been unreal.

“So many people came to see us, it means a lot.”

Now the father is planning a permanent tribute to his son.

Mr Johnson said: “Jacob will be cremated and I am going to use his ashes in a tattoo of his handprint on me, that way he will always be a part of me.”

Funeral details will be announced in due course, but Mr Johnson said the service will be a big occasion with everyone welcome.