A TEENAGER from Bury who campaigned to raise awareness of brain tumours has died at the age of 18.

Matthew Pullan, a former Bury College student, died at home yesterday from a brain tumour, surrounded by twin brother Alex, dad Gary, and 15 year old brother, Mark.

At age three, he was diagnosed with ependymoma, a brain cancer that affects cells in the brain and spinal cord, spreading throughout the body over a long period. The tumour was removed and he recovered.

But in June 2020, another tumour was found in his cerebellum, which he had removed on the eight year anniversary of his mother's death. She died of breast cancer when Matthew was just nine.

Following surgery, Matthew was told his prognosis was 'poor' as part of the tumour remained on his brain stem.

Determined not to give up and to keep fit, Matthew decided to walk 10,000 steps a day in July.

He also shared his story with Brain Tumour Research and the Pullan family began fundraising for the charity.

But as Matthew's condition worsened, he was confined to a wheelchair for his final weeks.

Earlier this week, his dad Alan, shared the news on social media that Matthew had died: "Sadly at 17:33 tonight Matthew Pullan, my eldest son, was taken by the indiscriminate disease that is cancer.

"He joins his mum's, whose birthday would have been tomorrow. He behaved with dignity and personality throughout and we will always be proud of him."

Claire Pullan added on her own Facebook: "My beautiful step-son Matthew Pullan passed away peacefully at home last night.

"Matthew, you lit up this world with your beautiful smile, your fierce determination and your unparalleled kindness and selflessness.

"You have certainly made your make on this world and I promise you will never be forgotten. You will always be with us."

Gary later said: "Matthew was proud to support Brain Tumour Research, alongside his brother, Alex.

"He was extremely focussed in everything he did, blogging about his cancer journey, engaging with politicians and helping to build a social media community for other people affected by this hideous disease.

"He wanted to die at home and we were relieved to be able to fulfill his dying wish.

"He passed away in my arms with Alex and Mark by his side, with support from a teenage and Young Adult Cancer Nurse from The Christie.

"We are so proud of all Matthew achieved and vow to continue supporting Brain Tumour Research in his honour.

"Matthew's motto was: 'life is terminal - it is our job to live it.' I, for one, will try my very best to embody this amazing positivity, in memory of my beloved son."

Adding to the tributes, Matthew's granddad Alan wrote: "My wonderful grandson Matthew finally lost his battle with his cancer earlier this evening.

"He is now with his mum. May you rest in peace."

Hugh Adams, head of stakeholder relations at Brain Tumour Research said: "Our heartfelt condolences go to Matthew's family and all those who knew and loved him.

"We are deeply saddened by the loss of such an inspirational young man with an incredible spirit, that will live on.

"He achieved so much in his life but he should have had the opportunity to go on and achieve more.

"There is a severe lack of funding for research for brain tumours, which kill more adults and children under the age of 40 than any other cancer.

"We cannot let this situation continue to happen. Matthew's story spurs us on to work ever more resolutely to raise funds for research and to campaign for the government and the larger cancer charities to invest more."

To make a donation in memory of Matthew visit the Brain Tumour Research charity's website.