Heartbroken pals have paid tribute to a "one in a million" Scots cancer victim who passed away before his 21st birthday.
Joe Wardell, of Irvine, Ayrshire, died after what is believed to be a short fight with cancer after discovering he had a lump on his leg and groin in February.
A fundraiser has been now been launched to help the family of Joe, who has been described as a 'hero' and a 'fighter' by proud friends.
The fundraiser has smashed it's £500 target, raising more than £10,000 in just a few days.
Pal Holly Duffy, who started the GoFundMe page, said: "I can’t write in words how sore my heart is today, all I know is that every single one of us were so blessed to have you in our lives Joe boy.
"We will never forget that big smile my bro Joe, love you forever."
Dillon Williams wrote: "My heart is broken. Can’t believe I'm actually writing this.
"This morning I lost not only my best pal but my brother. Words will never describe how I'm feeling right now.
"Gonna miss you so much, one of the best boys I've met, love you so much. You fought right til the very end and I'll be forever proud of you, a true warrior. Til we meet again brother."
And another heartbroken mate said: "No words can describe how anyone will be feeling. You truly were a great boy Joe. Irvine will be a very sad place today.
"If love alone could have saved you wee pal you would have lived forever. RIP Joe you were some boy."
Joe, 20, revealed to friends on Facebook earlier this year he was battling cancer, and urged others to get checked themselves, after finding lumps on his groin and leg.
He wrote: "Didn't think I'd ever be posting something like this but would rather everyone heard it come from me rather than rumours getting told and stories getting mixed.
"A couple of months ago I realised a lump growing from my groin and didn't think much of it, however a few of my friends and family pushed me to go to the doctors to get it checked.
"After a few scans it turns out that a previous lump I have in my leg that I got told not to worry too much about is a tumour and has spread and caused the lump on my groin to swell up.
"Over the next few months I will need to receive chemo and radiotherapy to hopefully get rid of it.
"Just want to make everyone aware to go and get lumps or something that doesn’t feel right checked because you never know how bad it could be.
"Appreciate everyone who has messaged and is concerned as it means a lot.
"The next few months will be hard but there's not much I can do except carry on and keep positive."
To donate to the fundraiser, click here.
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