THE family of a toddler who died weeks after being diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour have spoken of how lucky they feel to have had him in their lives.

Little Cameron Southam sadly passed away just 106 days after doctors diagnosed the tumour.

Despite their tragic loss, in a heartfelt tribute parents Sarah Hain and James Southam said they were grateful for every moment of the two years and nine months they got to spend with their “special little boy”.

They have also thanked all those who helped raise funds in recent months to enable them to create special family memories with Cameron.

Cameron was surrounded by his family when he passed away at the Kingfisher Ward at Dorset County Hospital on Sunday, September 20, just over three months after he was diagnosed.

The family, who lived in Weymouth for nine years before recently moving to Nether Cerne near Dorchester, have spoken of the amazing character Cameron was.

Mum Sarah said she would remember him as a “whirlwind in a teacup” and a “cheeky chappy” who loved Thomas the Tank Engine.

She added: “We are the luckiest family in the world to have known him.

“He’s a really special little boy.”

Dad James said: “We are really lucky we got to know him.”

Auntie Victoria Hain added: “Whoever he met he put a smile on their faces.”

Since the diagnosis family and friends have rallied round and helped to raise more than £5,000 so Cameron, sister Daniella, 11, half-brother Brendon, 12, and the rest of the family could enjoy their time together as much as possible.

Trips have included a holiday in the Forest of Dean, visits to Longleat, Monkey World, Abbotsbury Children’s Farm and a chance for Cameron to meet his favourite Thomas the Tank Engine at Thomas Land.

Sarah said: “It was 106 days from when he was diagnosed and we have crammed in the most amazing times in as a family.”

Cameron’s parents are keen to carry on fundraising as they want to raise enough for a caravan for the families of terminally ill children and those who have lost children, after they stayed at a similar facility thanks to the Teddy20 charity.

James said: “It would be nice to help other people in the same situation.”

Sarah and James said they also want to thank all the staff at the Kingfisher Ward for the amazing care they provided and the nurses from the Three Ells Trust as well as Cotton and Son funeral directors.

Cameron’s funeral will be held at 1pm on Wednesday, October 14 at Weymouth Crematorium.

The family say it will be an occasion to celebrate Cameron’s life and thank all those who supported him.

Flowers and donations to the family’s ongoing fundraising efforts will be welcomed.

Donations can also be made online at gofundme.com/cameronscampaign