A MOTHER today gave a moving tribute to her son, who has died age 13.

Thomas Pegg, a pupil at Castle Hill School in Newsome, died in Martin House Children’s Hospice on Wednesday last week.

He had been severely handicapped since birth but still lived life with a smile on his face, say his family.

His mum Sarah said: “Thomas spent 13 amazing years with us and every second, every minute, every hour was an honour.

“As the years went by he left us with so many special memories.

“Thomas, you were my special little angel and seeing your smile made me forget all my worries.”

The family live in Cowlersley but Thomas was born in Sheffield on March 10, 1997.

The family came to Huddersfield when his grandmother, the Rev Sue Pegg, was appointed a Methodist minister in the Colne Valley in 2003.

Thomas lived with his mum and with older brother Luke and when his grandmother moved to a new post in East Yorkshire, they decided to stay on in Huddersfield.

His grandmother Sue Pegg said: “Our daughter Sarah has been an amazing mum, coping with the needs of Thomas who was severely handicapped.

“Thomas was always happy, and always smiling, despite his many stays in hospital and the fact that he suffered much ill health.

“Sadly several weeks ago he was admitted to Calderdale Royal Hospital and then transferred to the Children’s Hospice at Boston Spa called Martin House.

“He received good medical care and everyone was very kind to him but sadly, despite all this, he died last week.

“He’ll always be remembered for his love of his yellow teddy, yellow sunflowers, helium balloons and chime bells.

“Thomas both touched and enriched the lives of everyone who came across him.

“As a family we are deeply saddened by Thomas’ death but able to give thanks for our Christian faith which offers hope for today and certainty for the future.

“We would also like to thank everyone who has cared for Thomas over the years, especially the staff at Martin House, and for all who are showing kindness to us now.”

A funeral service for Thomas will be held at Christ Church, Linthwaite, tomorrow at 1pm followed by a private cremation.