Coronation Street star Antony Cotton has spoken of his heartbreak after a teenage cancer sufferer who had a 'huge impact' on him passed away.
Inspirational Harrison Torr, 15, died last month after being given just months to live back in April 2019 after a shock diagnosis.
Harrison thought he had broken his ankle until scans showed he can a cancerous tumour in his bone.
After having intensive chemotherapy Harrison had to learn to walk again, after an amputation below his left knee.
His positive attitude and determination won him an army of fans including celebrity gardener Alan Titchmarsh after the teenager appeared on the ITV show Love Your Garden.
In the episode selfless Harrison discussed his concerns for his family after being given the terminal diagnosis.
He said at the time: “I was more worried about my family than myself and what they would have to come to terms with.
“It’s about making the most of life, even if you have a condition or cancer, you have to live everyday like you’re dying.
“That’s how you have to live your life.”
His remarkable outlook on life - plain to see on the show - touched the hearts of the nation and also Corrie's Antony Cotton.
He reached out to Harri's family and invited the youngster for a tour of the soap's set after being "totally blown away by Harri and his story".
Harri pulled a pint in the Rovers Return and met other stars from the show.
Antony tweeted about the day saying: "Exactly two weeks later, today, I was lucky enough to welcome Harri and his mum, his brother Josh, and Josh’s girlfriend Sophie, to Coronation Street.
"It was a day I’ll never forget."
But weeks later Harri lost his brave battle with the disease leaving Antony heartbroken.
He tweeted: "This morning I was told that Harrison “Harri” Torr had died.
"I was grateful to hear the heartbreaking news from his brother Josh, and not by reading it online.
"He was only in my life for the briefest of times, but his impact was huge. My love goes out to Erica, Josh and Sophie x."
People who had seen Harri, who lived in Greatfield,with his family, on Love Your Garden replied to Antony's tweet and paid tribute to Harri.
One person wrote: "Bless you Harri, such a beautiful, warm and courageous young man.
"So glad we got to see a tiny glimpse of his zest for life and cheeky smile.
"May he truly rest in peace and shine down in his loved ones forever more. Sweet dreams Harri."
Another person used two crying emojis and simply tweeted: "That is so sad. He was such a brilliant lad."
And another said: "Ahh rest in peace Harri. Hope your mam can still enjoy the garden and that it’s a great memorial to you."
Harri's mum Erica had spoken previously about how proud she was of her son.
She told the Hull Daily Mail: "I'm exceptionally proud of Harri and he is a complete inspiration. He is doing really well and is just fantastic and has a great family network around him.
"We had no idea that he had cancer - he was having pain in his ankle and night sweats and a bit of weight loss, but we thought it was just through puberty and it came as a real shock to the family when we found out.
"He loved swimming before but can't really go now after his leg was amputated. He just got a prosthetic leg two weeks ago and has had to learn how to walk again.
"We have a real struggle ahead of still and it is tough, but we aren't going to let the cancer win."
Councillor Steve Wilson, Lord Mayor of Hull, has lead tributes to Harrison, saying: “Karl and I are deeply saddened to hear that Hari Torr has passed.
“We met Hari last year and we were immediately moved an inspired by him.
“Hill will still be awarded the Lord Mayor’s Civic Crown for being a Youth Champion. God bless you.”
