THE family of a teenage boy, who died from a rare genetic disorder, have paid tribute to the young man who touched the lives of everyone he met.

Jon Douglas, 14, of Model Terrace, Cockfield, in Teesdale, County Durham, died in the Freeman Hospital, Newcastle, as a result of a condition known as Chronic Granulamatous.

Jon had contracted a fungal infection in his lungs and the condition, which only affects one in four million people, left his body unable to fight the infection.

Despite the tragedy occurring so close to Christmas and also to Jon's birthday, which was on December 20, the family said there were still plans to celebrate the festive period.

His father, John, said: "We're trying to do what Jon would have wanted. He was never miserable and loved a party.

"He was very popular and one of those kids that everyone he spoke to got on with him immediately."

As the fourth eldest child in a family of seven children, Jon was the peacemaker if ever disputes arose.

His mother, Barbara, said: "He was gentle and always used to calm things down.

"He used to play with his younger brother and sister for hours, making dens for them."

At school, Jon acted as a mentor for year seven pupils, making sure they settled into school life.

He also helped dyslexic children and an autistic boy at the school, despite suffering from learning difficulties himself.

However, this was no obstacle and he managed to achieve grade fives in his SATs.

He was a keen sports fan and loved cross-country and despite his small build he also enjoyed rugby.

He used to work at the Kingsway Adventure Centre at Middleton-in-Teesdale.

He had hoped to follow his brother, sister and brother-in-law into the RAF when he left school and become a pilot.

Jon also loved cars and was helping his brother-in-law to restore a Volkswagen Beetle.

Brian Kinnair, headteacher of Staindrop Comprehensive, said the school wanted to raise money for charity in Jon's name in the new year.

He said: "Jon was a fine young man and everyone at the school was saddened and upset to hear of his death.

"He was always polite and well-behaved and would just have been receiving his Gold Mentoring Award in January.

"The staff and the pupils' thoughts and prayers go to his family at this time

"He was a special child, we always thought he was on loan to us, which I suppose he was.

"We still feel he's here, we're just thankful of those 14 years we had with him."

Jon's funeral takes place on Wednesday, at Cockfield Methodist Church at 2pm. A collection in lieu of flowers will be made in aid of the Freeman Paediatric Intensive Care Unit.