TRIBUTES have poured in following the funeral of a 12-year-old boy.
Declan Hodgson, of Bellscroft, Wombwell, was born with congenital heart disease and died on June 13 following an operation at the children's heart unit in Leeds.
His funeral, at Ardsley crematorium, took place last Wednesday.
He had undergone surgery aged six months and also three years ago, the latter of which caused unseen complications resulting in his death, according to a statement issued by his family.
Declan had raised money for the heart unit with a number of 'wear it red' days at High View Primary, where he studied before moving up to Netherwood school. His family raised £500 in a charity bike ride last year.
Netherwood principal Toby Eastaugh said Declan was a popular and cheerful pupil who did well in his studies, made a positive contribution to the school, playing sports and keeping a high attendance record - despite his condition.
He said: "Declan made a positive start to secondary school life and readily embraced the opportunities that Netherwood offered.
"His departure has had a significant impact on fellow students, who are now considering ways in which he might be remembered in the longer term at Netherwood. Our thoughts are with his family at this time."
Many tributes were made by fellow pupils on social media site Facebook commenting on Declan's humour and popularity.
