Ipswich: Tributes to Mason Fountain after death aged 18

Mason Fountain, from Ipswich, was first diagnosed with the tumour when he was just five years old.

After spending 13 years fighting the illness, he passed away on July 21 after contracting pneumonia while in hospital.

The teenager was much loved by his father Kevin, mother Shelley, and siblings Jack, Kloie, Scarlett, Amelie and Teddy.

Mason with his siblings, Jack, Kloie, Scarlett, Amelie and Teddy. (Image: Contributed)

Shelley said: "He was my best friend. A hero. A fighter. A warrior.

"He was an inspiration, loving, caring, funny and he would light up any room with his smile and his dry sense of humour and he wanted to help everybody.

"Even though he was going through so much himself, he wanted to help others."

Mason with his mum, Shelley. (Image: Contributed)

The former Gusford Primary School student launched his own charity, called Mason's Magic, in 2012 to grant wishes to other children also living with brain tumours and their families.

It was a cause supported by many well-known names including Ricky Gervais, Peter Andre, Katie Price and former Coronation Street actress Kym Marsh.

Shelley continued: "He loved going to his college, Suffolk One, being with all his friends and he loved his rugby."

Mason with his family. (Image: Contributed)

Mason with his siblings (Image: Contributed)

Just a couple of weeks prior to his passing, Mason and his family went to watch the England Rugby team train before meeting the players and England legend Jonny Wilkinson.

He was also a big Ipswich Town fan, being a mascot when he was younger, and Shelley is hoping to give him a fitting tribute at the Ipswich vs Leeds United game next weekend.

She said: "Mason's friend Harrison is a big season ticket holder and his family suggested getting something started for Mason in the 18th minute.

Mason was a big Ipswich Town fan (Image: Contributed)

"I posted on social media to see if there would be any support for this, and it just went absolutely crazy."

Within minutes, Shelley's Facebook and Instagram posts had been shared thousands of times, and to other social media platforms, with Town captain Sam Morsy, defender Harry Clarke and striker George Hirst just some of the Town players past and present showing their support.

Mason when he was a mascot. (Image: Contributed)

The family is also friends with former striker Macauley Bonne, who shared news of the planned gesture to his social media too.

Shelley said: "It's had an amazing response.

"Leeds fans, Ipswich fans are all wanting to get involved and it is really overwhelming to us as a family."

Mason with his sister, Scarlett (Image: Contributed)

Mason's sister Kloie, 17, is also doing her bit to raise money for St Elizabeth Hospice's Zest by running the Ipswich Half Marathon next month.

On her JustGiving page, she said: "My brother, my hero, my best friend and the person who inspires me every day.

"I hope I make you proud Mase."

Mason and his dad, Kevin (Image: Contributed)

She has already raised more than £1,300 for Zest.

The family asked for donations to be given to Zest instead of flowers at his celebration of life, which featured 25 retro campervans and a sea of blue to fit the colour scheme.

Shelley continued: "I was overwhelmed at the amount of people that there were.

Mason with his brother Jack (Image: Contributed)

"It was stunning, really beautiful and all for such an amazing boy.

"I would like to thank everyone for the care and support they have shown towards us as a family and Mason."

Mason was a big Ipswich Town fan. (Image: Contributed)

A tribute is being planned for the Ipswich Town v Leeds United match. (Image: Contributed)