Brave Nathan Jones had suffered from a muscle-weakening disease since the age of two but had been desperate to live as full a life as possible.

The teenager, from Brighouse, was to have had the life-saving operation at London's Great Ormond Street Hospital but sadly died two weeks ago.

His dad Steven said: "He was so close. The surgery wouldn't have cured him but it would have strengthened his heart."

Nathan was diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome 11 years ago.

It meant he had problems with his heart, joints and the connective tissue supporting them.

He wore callipers and had been in a wheelchair for the past six months after having a operation on his spine.

But Mr Jones, an electrician, and mum Janet said Nathan never let his illness stop him leading a lively life.

Mrs Jones, a kitchen assistant, said: "He was such a lovely lad and he got the absolute most out of everything.

"He loved his football and was a big Leeds fan. He loved being at school and he loved his music. He was loved by so many people. He just always had a smile on his face."

She added: "We'll miss him so much."