Brave YouTuber, 15, dies in mum's arms after cancer battle as hundreds pay tribute

Heartfelt tributes have been paid to a "brave and inspirational" teenager who has died after a cancer battle. Liam Preece, 15, from Stalybridge, built up an army of YouTube thanks to his upbeat diaries.

His incredible efforts earned him the Teenager of Courage award at the Pride of Manchester awards 2022, which he received just two weeks ago. The Manchester United fan was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer that had spread to other parts of his body, after suffering knee pain in 2020.

Mum Jodie Conroy announced his death in a Facebook post this morning, writing that he died in her arms just after 8pm. Hundreds of tributes have been left under his mum's message, calling him an "inspiration" and am "incredible fighter".

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"Liam you were a trooper and your smile will never go I forgotten or your positive attitude throughout. Sending massive hugs to you and your family," one wrote.

Another said: "No words can express how sorry we are for you loss Jodie, Liam will always be remembered as the happy inspirational kid who tried his best to be positive when fighting this cruel illness, as well as helping others going through the same. Our hearts got out to you and your wonderful family."

One tribute called Liam a "cheeky, funny lad" who "made everyone smile," and another said his YouTube videos were always "positive, inspirational and strong".

Mum Jodie previously told the Manchester Evening News that Liam was an "amazing" boy "with a heart of gold and a beautiful soul". She said: "He’s selfless and no words can describe how proud I am to be his mum."

He started his YouTube channel, My Name is