Hundreds of lanterns lit up Belfast's night sky last night to celebrate the life of Wee Oscar Knox, the little boy from Belfast who lost his long battle with an aggressive form of cancer on Friday.

Wee Oscar's journey was followed by thousands after his family launched an appeal three years ago. Supporters included Northern Irish First Minister Peter Robinson, Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, boxers Paddy Barnes and Michael Conlan and the Glasgow Celtic soccer team who wore black arm-bands during their match on Sunday.

Oscar's parents, Stephen and Leona, announced the sad news that their little boy had passed away via the @Wee_Oscar twitter account they set up three years ago to raise awareness and funds for Oscar's treatment after he was diagnosed with the high-risk children's cancer neuroblastoma. It attracted a huge amount of support from thousands of followers whoose hearts were touched by the brave little boy.

 

Mourners at Oscar's funeral were encouraged to wear brightly coloured clothes in a bid to celebrate Oscar's life and legacy.

Citizens of Belfast, united in their grief, arranged the lantern ceremony to honour the brave little boy who had captured their hearts with his endurance and positivity. Since his untimely death, more than £22,000 has been raised from donations to the Children's Hospice where he spent his final days.