13 year old dies eight days after being diagnosed with leukaemia

A 13-year-old boy has died just eight days after being diagnosed with leukaemia.

James O'Mara was admitted to hospital after feeling ill for several days with what his family thought was a bug. The teen from Worcester in the UK was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia and was placed in intensive care and treated with chemotherapy. Despite the efforts of the medical staff at Birmingham Children's Hospital, he died just over a week after his diagnosis, reports the Daily Mail. James' family has paid tribute to him, describing him as 'fit and healthy' and a keen rugby player.

"He was always laughing, joking and smiling - he didn't see the point in homework," said his aunt Amanda Tanner.

"He loved being outside doing anything that could be adventurous. He loved going out with his little brother. He did what he wanted – he knew what he loved."

The boy went through 89 units of donor blood products and his family is now urging people to give blood to help others suffering.

"There are so many poorly children and adults that need blood and blood products such as platelets, it doesn't cost us anything to donate other than time - about one hour every three months and it really could save someone's life and give hope to families in situations like ours."