BRAVE seven-year-old Morgan Hayes has sadly lost his battle against a rare form of cancer.

The Whitland youngster, whose big smile and massive courage captivated everyone who met him, passed away this (Friday) morning at Ty Hafan, the children's hospice for Wales.

The little boy, who was fighting neuroblastoma, had been the focus of the Morgan's Fight appeal, which had raised over £159,000 towards a £191,000 target for treatment in New York.

He travelled to the USA only last month, where his family were given the devastating news that treatment could not take place at that point, as the disease had progressed too far.

It was hoped that further chemotherapy and radiotherapy in the UK could improve the situation, and that Morgan could be reassessed.

But his condition deteriorated quickly and he suffered a seizure during radiotherapy, causing pressure on his brain, and he was transferred to Ty Hafan as further treatment was no longer an option.

A post on the Morgan's Fight Facebook page today on behalf of his parents, Ben Hayes and Sophie Russell and their families said: "Morgan passed away peacefully in his sleep this morning, in the arms of his mum, dad and family.

"We thank you all for your on going support and kind words.

"Please respect the family's need to grieve together during this very difficult time.

"Details of the funeral will be shared in due course."