Toby Nye: Leeds United pay tribute after sick boy dies

Liam Cooper Image copyright Leeds United
Image caption Toby Nye, pictured with defender Liam Cooper, died on Saturday afternoon

A six-year-old boy who had been suffering from cancer and developed a special relationship with Leeds United has died just days after his birthday.

Toby Nye had high-risk neuroblastoma, a rare form of cancer, which spreads rapidly across the body.

Stars from the club have paid tribute to the youngster and said they were "heartbroken".

Chairman Andrea Radrizzani said he had been "deeply moved" by Toby's story, adding "we love you angel".

Toby, from Osmondthorpe, Leeds, became ill at Christmas 2016 and on his fourth birthday in January 2017 his family was told he had a stage four neuroblastoma tumour.

He had struck up relationships with several players and staff at Elland Road. Last year the club raised the Β£200,000 needed to fund his cancer treatment.

Tributes have poured in since news of his death emerged. A statement said he died "in the arms of mummy and daddy" at home with all his family around him on Saturday afternoon.

Image copyright Nye family
Image caption Toby had high-risk neuroblastoma, a rare form of cancer

What is neuroblastoma?

Source: NHS Choices

Doctors had told Toby he would need intense chemotherapy and radiotherapy as well as an operation to remove the main tumour on his kidney.

His treatment was unsuccessful and his family wanted to raise money to fund private care.

Leeds United announced last October that it would raise the money as the treatment is not routinely available on the NHS.