TRIBUTES have been paid to an “unforgettable character” who was the first young ambassador of charity Julia’s House after he died aged 23.

Alec Ross, from Bournemouth, lived with a a complex gene disorder, which caused tumours to grow anywhere on his body. He also suffered from epilepsy and had learning difficulties.

His family said they were devastated that their son had died last Saturday after battling cancer. He spent his final week at Forest Holme hospice in Poole.

Alec’s mother Lisa Dennis-Lunn said: “He was a ray of sunshine. Once people met him they never forgot him, whether it was through his fundraising work or the car boot sale he did at Canford Magna with his carer.

“Everyone that looked after him was amazing.”

Alec attended Victoria Education Centre from the age of three up until his death.

Julia’s House said the charity was “really sad” that Alec, who had been a member of the “family” for many years, had passed away.

Alec received care as a child from Julia’s House and, despite

moving into adult care at 18, he continued to remain in close contact with the charity.

He was originally nursed by Julia Perks, the children’s nurse who was the inspiration for Julia’s House.

Alec was one of the first children to use Julia’s House and he met Prince Edward at the official opening

of the Dorset hospice building in 2006.

Martin Edwards, Julia’s House chief executive, said the charity will miss the “special young man” terribly.

“We are all deeply saddened at Alec’s passing. He had such a lively, unique and unforgettable character, always making everyone smile,” Mr Edwards said.

Alec’s first tumour was removed from his brain when he was just 19 months old.

However, in October last year, when he had a tumour removed from his lower abdomen, doctors diagnosed him with grade 3 cancer. He was told the disease would spread to his lungs and become fatal.

Earlier this year, a fundraising campaign was launched to grant Alec, who was a big

Harry Potter fan, his final wish of attending the wizarding world at Universal Orlando in Florida, however after his cancer worsened the trip was not able to take place.

His family spent his final months fulfilling activities on his bucket list including a visit to Harry Potter Studios in London and a trip to Butlins.

Alec’s family welcome everyone to his funeral, which takes place at 11am on Monday, June 11, at St Ambrose, Westbourne. This is followed by a private burial at Kinson for family and friends, and this will be followed by a gathering at Hamworthy Club in Canford Magna.

The fundraising page remains open and can be viewed at www.gofundme.com/aspmgc-my-last-dream