A six-year-old boy has died after battling against cancer for half his life.

Lukas Duberley died after 39 days of being in an induced coma.

He had been fighting against Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia for over three years.

In a poignant tribute after his death last month, his father Marc said: “He changed my life over six years ago and was my best friend and brave little soldier.

"He battled leukaemia for over three years and spent 39 days in intensive care shocking the doctors how much fight he had. To all the people that have supported us thank you so much. My heart is in pieces."

Supporters of his family will host a boxing event this weekend to help raise money for a headstone and a memorial for Lukas.

A bucket collection and charity auction will take place during The Gloves Are Off (TGAO) event.

A few of the boxers have offered to fight for free, and all their earnings will be given to the cause.

Shaun Seery, 30, founder of TGAO said: “I wanted to do something to help.

“It’s just a sad story. Nobody wants to see their child suffer. I have children myself, so it hit home quite a bit.”

He added: "Thank you so much on behalf of his grieving father Marc, he is so grateful and so is Dicky Newman who has been doing so much to help raise funds for Lukas.”

Lukas's father Marc works at the security team at Worcester Bosch.

Dicky Newman, manager of Worcester Bosch, has previously helped raise £4,500 for the family.

Mr Newman, from Worcester said: “I have been doing fundraisers for 18 years.

“When we heard about Lukas’s story we wanted to help at Bosch.

“His dad is overwhelmed with all the support.”

Mr Newman, aged 56, added: “Marc had to give up work to look after his son. It was not only his son; it was his best friend.

“No child should go through that. Kids shouldn’t have to suffer.”

READ MORE:

Man calls to re-use plastic tubs in takeaway restaurants to help environment

Staff from Headway Worcestershire devastated after vandalism

The boxing event will take place at Perdiswell Leisure Centre, in Bilford Road, this Saturday (December 7) with 14 fights on the cards.

The doors will open at 3pm and the first fight will start at 4.30pm.

Lukas received a double bone marrow transplant in August and underwent an intense programme of chemotherapy and radiation.

He was making progress until he developed pneumonia in his lungs.

Mr Duberley posted on a fundraising page: “At 11.20pm on November 12 my beautiful little fighter gained his angel wings and died peacefully in my arms me telling him how much we all loved him."

To donate, visit here.