THE parents of a six-year-old who lost his courageous battle with cancer have hit out at thieves who have stolen his favourite toys.

Mason Campion, of Bishop Auckland, fought bravely for more than four and a half years having been diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour.

Following his superhero themed funeral in July, the youngster was buried near to sister Jade, who was born prematurely, in the town’s cemetery.

The Northern Echo: FUNDRAISING: Friends and family of cancer sufferer, Mason Campion, 5, are raising money for him to go to Disneyland picture: SARAH CALDECOTT (37930532)

Mason Campion Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT

His parents Andrew Campion and Carol Newton lovingly decorated his grave with flowers, balloons and toys.

However, only a few weeks later they discovered the balloons had been burst and around the time of the funeral Jade’s grave was vandalised and items stolen.

Then last weekend, they visited the graves only to find Mason’s favourite Lego figures had been taken.

Durham County Council has agreed to carry out additional patrols and is urging anyone who see any damage to report it.

Mr Campion said: “It is shocking. They were his favourite Lego figures. He always had them with him and someone has taken them. They were placed under his name plaque. We are heartbroken. They mean so much to us.

Miss Newton added: “The thing is the items that were stolen this time were of no value to anyone but extremely sentimental to us as they were Mason’s favourites that he took everywhere with him.

“That is why they were placed out of sight. So someone must have had a good rummage through his grave in the first place to even find them.

“We are not the only families who have had items stolen or graves vandalised. It is getting beyond a joke now.

“I am absolutely heartbroken at the thought of someone going through his grave and then stealing them.”

The Hunwick Primary School pupil spent much of his life in and out of the Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI), in Newcastle, receiving treatment.

Two months before his death Mason’s family were told there was nothing more doctors could do but he defied the odds and bravely battled on.

During his short life, Mason was invited to switch on the Christmas lights in Willington and enjoyed a holiday to Disneyland, however, one of his favourite trips was meeting Formula One World Champion Lewis Hamilton.

Ian Hoult, Durham County Council’s neighbourhood protection manager, said: “We have received a report of damage to graves at Bishop Auckland Town Cemetery.

“As a result, our neighbourhood wardens have been carrying out additional patrols in the area and will continue to do so over the coming weeks.

“We would encourage anyone with any information regarding damage at any of our cemeteries to get in touch by calling 03000-261000.”