Teenage cancer patient befriended by Ryan Giggs loses his battle against the disease

Levi Henson with Ryan Giggs

Levi Henson, a 13 year old Manchester United fan, who had battled cancer all his life, lost his fight last week.

Levi was an ardent Manchester United fan, and was paid a special tribute by the fans during the Capital One Cup clash against Sunderland. During half-time a charity single which had been recorded in his name was played, and a balloon released.

Legendary Manchester United footballer Ryan Giggs, was moved by the 13-year old’s battle with cancer and had donated tickets for a game against Southampton to him and his family.Giggs, a patron at the East Cheshire Hospice, later took the family out for a meal and presented Levi with signed shirts and footballs.

Tony Leight, the father of Levi spoke about the excitement of his son following the meeting with Giggs:

“The smile on Levi’s face hadn’t been seen in months. Ryan was fantastic and spent three hours with us, posing for photographs and signing shirts. We can’t thank him enough for his generosity and support.”

Levi had been diagnosed with retinal cancer at the tender age of one. And while he lost his left eye, he was cleared to have successfully fought off the cancer. Last September he was diagnosed with bone cancer, and sadly, Levi could not hold on and passed away on Tuesday.

The details of the dinner of Levi and his family with Ryan Giggs was printed in the programme for the Sunderland cup game.

Reuben-James Fiander, also known as Soul Urban Poet is a friend of the family and had recorded the charity single which was called Stronger- Levi Henson’s Project. The track has been made available on Amazon and iTunes with the proceeds going to the Levi Henson Project. The appeal will continue in Levi’s memory.