A toddler who suffered from a serious heart condition died in his heartbroken mum's arms.
Jacob Ryan and his family grew close to Alfie Evans and his parents after they met in Alder Hey hospital.
Jacob passed away on April 1, following a lifelong battle with his condition.
The two boys met in the hospital where Jacob's mum Steph found common ground with Alfie's "determined" parents - reports Mirror Online.
Inspired by the fight shown by the two boys, dozens of people turned out back in October 2017 to a family fun day to pay for their care.
And when Alfie died of a neurodegenerative disorder last year, Jacob was left to fight on.
But on April 1, a post on the 'Jacob's Journey' Twitter page read: "At 22.26 our beautiful inspirational courageous superhero learned to fly.
"He passed peacefully in his mummy's arms surrounded by his loved ones. Our hearts are shattered and every piece of them went with him."
Alfie's dad Thomas shared the news of Jacobs death on Facebook, writing: "We are shocked and Devastated for Steph and her family our thought are with you all.
"Play peacefully and have heavenly fun with our Alf. Rest in paradise little man.
"Please can we all say a prayer for Jacob and steph and her family this is the most painful period in life no one should go through."
The ECHO previously spoke to Steph about Jacob's health battles.
She was told about Jacob's heart defect at her 20 week scan - but decided against a termination.
She said: "I said no straight away.
"He deserved to be given a chance and I wanted him to know love and strength.
"He kicked so hard inside of me that there was just no way I was giving up on him.
"His strength gave me strength and we have fought together."
Back in February last year, Steph paid tribute to Alfie's mum and dad as their battle to keep medical support going for their baby intensified.
She said: "Alfie's family and friends have pulled me through some hard times in the past nine months and for that I am forever thankful.
"(It is) one of the reasons I stand faithfully and forever by their sides through their fight to save Alfie."
Jacob leaves behind big brothers Freddie and Jack and sister Alexi
