James Perry (11), known affectionately as 'Jimmy P', will be remembered for his infectious laugh and beaming smile despite his illnesses.

The courageous youngster defied the odds to pull through on several occasions when doctors feared the worst.
His mum, Lindsey, of Baldock's Lane, said: "As soon as he was born it was apparent he wasn't well. He had respiratory failure and went into special care.

"When he came home it became clear after the first few months that he would have severe learning disabilities and complex medical needs.

"When he was two he went into hospital and was found to have acute renal failure. They didn't think he would recover from that but he did.

"A year later he had heart failure but he survived."

Brave James, who also had epilepsy and a lot of metabolic problems, developed chronic renal failure over the years.

Lindsey said: "He's been in and out of hospital all his life. I don't think there's a ward at the Leicester Royal Infirmary he hadn't been on. It was decided that because of all his problems he couldn't have dialysis or a transplant so we knew his time was limited."

James loved going to Ashmount School in Loughborough, Melton Mencap, the Melton Project in Dalby Road and Birch Wood Special School.

Lindsey said: "He enjoyed school so much. He had some very good friends and teachers and his favourite things were swimming, horse riding and music.

"He loved to play and be mischievous. He was a tremendous flirt with the girls and women. He could be a real charmer and loved people taking notice of him."

Lindsey paid tribute to the caring and supportive staff at the LRI and Melton Mencap and the ongoing support provided by the Melton Project as well as Rainbows.

She said: "James had been going to Rainbows for a few years and his stays increased during this year. During the last week we saw a different side to the work they do. It wasn't just the caring for James but for us as a family.

"Ever since James' death I've had daily contact with them. The way they deal with the death of a child there is quite amazing. To be able to work in that environment and show such sensitivity is remarkable."

James, whose condition deteriorated following an operation in August, was cremated at Loughborough Crematorium on Monday. A celebration of his life was held at Melton Conservative Club afterwards.

James leaves behind mum Lindsey, dad John, twin brother Isaac (11), brothers Christopher (30) and John (24) and sisters Kate (30), Nancy (28), Vicky (26), Jenna (24) and Bethany (22).

Donations to Rainbows are being accepted through Richard Barnes Funeral Directors. The family has already begun fundraising for the Melton Project as well as Mencap and Rainbows.