A TEENAGE boy has lost his battle against cancer - 15 months after his mother died of the same disease.

Ian Hall was having chemotherapy and radiotherapy for a brain tumour at the same time as his mother, Carole, was having cancer treatment.

Mrs Hall, a 46-year-old cook, was diagnosed with breast cancer three years ago and went into remission after course of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

However, the disease returned and went into her spine and liver, and, despite further treatment, she died in August last year.

A year before she died, Ian began having problems with a weakness in his right side, causing problems with his hand.

A brain tumour was diagnosed after doctors ordered a scan - and the news stunned his family, who were already coping with Mrs Hall's illness.

At the family home in Chester-le-Street, Ian's father, Eric, 46, told of the double tragedy as he was comforted by his new partner, Tina Evans, 33, and daughter, Deborah, 18, a nursery nurse.

Mr Hall, a self-employed caterer, said: "We are all devastated by Ian's death, so soon after his mother died. We are still trying to come to terms with it.

"Ian had such a great character. He never used to complain and used to say he was glad he wasn't a baby so he could tell them where it hurt!"

Ian, 15, was a pupil at Hermitage School, Chester-le-Street, and his father praised the help given by staff and teachers.

He said: "The school provided a special pad for his hand so he could do his work and everyone was brilliant with him."

Mr Hall also praised Macmillan cancer nurses, who cared for Ian. He and Ms Evans plan to raise money for the charity as a thank-you.