TOUCHING tributes have been paid to Lowestoft teenager Rory Davies, who died aged just 15 on Saturday night after bravely fighting against brain and spinal cancer.

In a message posted on Facebook yesterday morning (Sunday), The Davies family said: 'Our beautiful boy passed away peacefully last night, with his family by his side. He is now free of his battered body and spreading love and happiness elsewhere. We could not be prouder of him and we will carry him in our hearts forever. We thank you all for your support and good wishes.'

Since this announcement, hundreds of poignant messages in tribute to Rory have been left on the social networking site. The 'Rory Davies appreciation page! Lowestoft's Hero we love you' group has also been set-up - with more than 800 members joining within the space of a day.

Brave, a hero, an inspiration, a legend - they were just some of the poignant phrases showing the strength of feeling for this brave youngster.

As previously reported in The Journal Rory's dad Andy Davies has been planning a special fundraiser for June this year: as he looks to tackle the Three Peaks (Snowdon, in Wales, Ben Nevis, in Scotland and Scafell Pike, in England) and to raise a minimum of �5,000 towards a new teenage cancer unit at Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge - the hospital that treated Rory.

Just last week Mr Davies received a cheque for more than �2,000 to boost his charity pledge towards completing the infamous Three Peaks Challenge in 24 hours or less. A fortnight ago Benjamin Britten High School held two special sell-out fundraising gigs to raise funds for this worthy cause, with wristbands specially made in Rory's honour.

And this Wednesday, a charity football match for Rory will take place at Walmer Road between Benjamin Britten High School pupils from year 10 and year 11.

• For more on this story, be sure to buy this Friday's Lowestoft Journal. If you would like to pay your condolences to Rory and his family, e-mail your message and tributes to mark.boggis@archant.co.uk