Tributes have been paid to an aspiring teenage boxer who fought his battle with cancer until the end.

Henry Boswell, from Swanley, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer, when he was just 15.

The youngster, who was part of the traveller community, underwent chemotherapy and had his leg and part of his hip removed in December.

But the cancer had spread to the 16-year-old's lungs. Henry passed away on Wednesday, July 8 surrounded by his family at home.

Dad John Boswell paid tribute to his son who he said rarely let the disease get him down.

"He was a loveable rogue, always cheeky and had a smile on his face," he said.

"Even when he was diagnosed he cried only about once or twice."

John went on to speak of how the ordeal had drained him and partner Amy emotionally, but said together the family had drawn strength from Henry's fighting resolve.

He added that Henry "had a smile that could melt you" and inspired so many with the way he conducted himself during his battle with the disease.

"Every day was a pleasure with him. He had his moments be he was always trying to make you laugh," said John.

The young gypsy had won gold in the national box cup prior to his illness and had plenty of plaudits in the boxing world, something his dad said he remained very humble about.

A flood of tributes and heartfelt messages poured in for Henry following the announcement of his death on Traveller Boxers TV.

The title-winning amateur boxer also had a popular following on Instagram where he regularly posted updates on his condition.

Hundreds gathered at Swanley Park on Saturday where people were asked to wear blue and release balloons to mark their respects, with one making it as far as Vandeuil in the north of France.

Younger sister Sophie performed a song in what proved an emotional day for parents John and Amy, who said they found some solace in knowing just how many people loved Henry.

"It was nice to see the support he had," John said. "He was well known up and down the county."

Family friends Frank Ball and partner Charlotte, from Medway, helped raise money towards Henry's treatment, hosting a range of fundraisers and boxing bouts.

The fellow traveller paid tribute to his "little champion" who he said "had gone the whole 12 rounds" before he could punch no more.

Frank said: "He has been a fighter from a very young age and a very good boxer – we can show people what he was like."

He recalled how he was at Henry's bedside when the doctor delivered the life-changing news he would have to amputate his leg.

To which the teen simply replied: "Alright then, but can I take a picture with it. Then can I have an ice cream after."

It was this positive mental attitude, says Frank, which endeared him to so many, both within and outside the traveller community.

"You could not get a better kid," he said. "He has inspired so many people in so many ways with his spirit and bravery all the way through it."

Frank attended the event on Saturday which he said was "absolutely heartbreaking" but also wonderful to see so many people.

"I've never seen something like it before," he said. "The amount of love and support I have seen for him is on another level."

Henry's funeral will take place on July 29 at St Paul's Church in Swanley where huge crowds are expected to gather once again to pay respect to the popular teen.

Frank said: "It will be one of the biggest funerals I have ever seen and I've been to some big travellers' funerals.

"This is going to be something like you have never seen before in Swanley."

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