A heartbroken family has paid tribute to their 'wee warrior' Rudi Abbott, who has tragically died following a brave battle with cancer.
The eight-year-old, from Edinburgh, sadly passed away on Friday night. His death was announced by his devastated parents today, who hailed their son's bravery as 'truly incredible' following his three-year battle with pineoblastoma - a type of cancer that starts in the brain's pineal gland.
Little Rudi was first discovered to be suffering from the brain tumour in August 2020, Edinburgh Live reports. He underwent a series of treatments and therapies, with the family travelling to Seattle for an experimental trial last year.
With over £110,000 raised for his treatment through community fundraisers, Rudi's family posted the heartbreaking update today.
It read: "At 10.50pm last night our beloved and truly incredible wee warrior Rudi passed away. In all of the last near three years of his illness, yesterday was the first time he’d shown real outward signs of struggle.
"He still pushed through all the family visits stoically and waited until mum and dad’s bedtimes to quietly depart. Some boy! Honestly! If he’d waited even 10 more minutes we probably wouldn’t have known he was gone until morning. Thanks son His timing has always been spot on!
"He’s still with us lying peacefully in his own room and the family are coming to pay their last respects through the morning. Although it’s an incredibly sad day for us all, we really did urge our boy to leave us yesterday.
"We reassured him all day that we were ok for him to pass over and our souls would link up again soon. It really felt like we guided him over that last hurdle.
"It's been a true honour for all of us to be by your side on your courageous and joyous journey through life. You’ve taught us all so so much!"
Tributes have poured in for Rudi following the announcement, with many describing him as a 'beautiful' and 'brave' young boy.
Speaking on social media, Safiyya Vorajee, who had donated £10,000 to the fundraiser through the Azaylia Foundation, wrote: "Absolutely heartbreaking. I’m so sorry for your loss, Rudi you are so incredible you shown nothing but bravery strength and a beautiful smile always, now your in heaven with the other children, you can shine bright above and we will always remember you down here always."
Rudi's beloved football team, Heart of Midlothian FC, also shared their condolences, writing: "We are so terribly sorry for your loss."
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - sign up to our daily newsletter here.
