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Josh Harber, nine, of Temple Ewell school, Dover, dies of acute myeloid leukaemia

A fundraising campaign has been set up for a child who died just two days after his diagnosis.

Josh Harber, nine, from Dover, passed away on Tuesday, July 9, after being found to have acute myeloid leukaemia.

Tributes have poured in for him, as the community has been left stunned by his sudden illness and death.

Josh Harber in a school photograph. Picture: Temple Ewell Primary School
Josh Harber in a school photograph. Picture: Temple Ewell Primary School

He leaves his grief-stricken parents Dean and Danielle and two brothers, Jack and Lewis.

The GoFundMe page was set up by family friend Shannon Humphreys, of Walmer, just six days ago and raised £5,504 by 3pm today.

Her page said: "Josh grew his wings and became the most beautiful angel. At this heartbreaking time we would like to support Danielle and her family.

"We would like to raise money for Josh’s brothers Jack and Lewis to help them to get through this time and remember their brother and all the things he loved to do.

"We want to raise money so they can make memories and look forward to things whilst always remembering their Josh.

"Please help us to raise as much money as possible for this most lovely family."

Temple Ewell Primary School, which Josh attended
Temple Ewell Primary School, which Josh attended

Josh attended Temple Ewell Primary School.

Head teacher Angela Matthews said: "Josh was such a wonderful boy, who was loved by everyone.

"His kindness and loving nature touched the whole community. He was always smiling, always happy and was always focussed and determined to be the very best he could be.

"We all continue to be inspired by Josh.

"Each day the children in his class say ‘How can we be like Josh today? How can we be kind, how can we be loving, how can we be the very best, and keep smiling too?’

"Words cannot express how much we all miss him. Our thoughts and prayers are with Josh’s family and all those who knew him.

"We are doing all we can to support the school community at this difficult time."

Josh Harber. Picture from Andy Tanton, Dover Rangers FC
Josh Harber. Picture from Andy Tanton, Dover Rangers FC

He was a Tottenham Hotspur fan and had been a junior member of the Dover Rangers football club since the age of six.

Club secretary Steve Alexander said: "He had always been a key member of the team.

"He loved playing football whenever he could and always had a smile on his face.

"The club is in deep shock over what has happened and we are doing our best to support he family and want to help in any way we can."

Dean Harber put up pictures of himself and his son on his Facebook page and tribute comments poured in.

Acute myeloid leukaemia is an aggressive cancer of the myeloid cells, according to the NHS website.

Leukaemia in general is a cancer of the white blood cells and if it is acute it progresses quickly and aggressively, usually needing immediate treatment.

AML specifically targets myeloid cells.

These cells carry out tasks such as fighting bacterial infections, defending the body against parasites and preventing tissue damage spreading.

Cancer Research UK says that AML is most often diagnosed in older people but younger adults and children can get it too.

Generally with AML about 20% of patients will survive for five years or more after diagnosis.

You can donate via the web page gofundme.com/f/help-us-raise-money-for-joshs-brothers

Read more: All the latest news from Dover

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