TRIBUTES have been paid to a brave teenager after he lost a seven-year battle with cancer.

Connor McDowall, from Renfrew, was described by loved ones as a “lovely, kind and gentle soul.”

After being taken to hospital in 2010, at the age of 12, it emerged that Connor had leukaemia.

He underwent years of chemotherapy, which caused Acute Vascular Necrosis (AVN), where the bone dies due to lack of blood.

But Connor had huge support from his family and friends, including those at Trinity High School.

At the age of 16, he went into remission but suffered a relapse after just one year free of cancer.

More chemotherapy followed and, in April this year, he had a stem cell transplant.

Sadly, Connor died last week, aged just 19, leaving friends and family devastated.

Among those who paid tribute on Facebook was Kayren Hamilton, who wrote: “He was a lovely, kind and gentle soul, and he would go out of his way to help you.”

Shellby Roberts added: “Connor was one of the loveliest and funniest people I’ve known.”

And Raymond McCloy wrote: “So sad to see a wonderful young man taken way too soon. Such a great lad. I can’t even begin to describe my heartfelt sorrow at his passing.”

Annemarie Kirkpatrick also paid tribute, writing: “Another life taken far too soon with this disease. “You’re in no more pain now sweetheart, you gave it one mighty fight.”

Maggie Macdonald added: “Taken too soon Connor. Sleep well, matey.“I salute you, a true hero in every sense of the word. Your watch is done now, time to stand down.”

Connor was a keen St Mirren fan and, fittingly, pall bearers wore Saints shirts while carrying his coffin as his funeral took place at Woodside Crematorium, in Paisley, on Monday.

In another tribute, fans at Firhill stadium, in Glasgow, on Saturday staged 60 seconds of applause in the 19th minute of the League Cup match between Partick Thistle and St Mirren.