THE cheeky smile of a young man with big dreams will be remembered by his friends, family and teammates after spending his life playing the sport that he loved.

Talented wheelchair basketball star and Paralympic hopeful, Stephen Johnson, died over the weekend, aged just 14, following a short illness.

The Darlington teenager battled adversity his entire life after being paralysed with a spinal injury when he was run over by a Land Rover when he was only six-years-old.

But young Stephen dreamt of going on court for Team GB after dedicating his childhood and teenage years to his beloved Tees Valley Titans wheelchair basketball team.

And the St Aiden’s Academy pupil caught the eye a GB coach after posting points in the paint during Junior League finals in Nottingham last year.

The young athlete honed his natural talent for the fast-paced sport which saw him compete at national level and against players much older than himself.

And Stephen stayed true to his team until the end, after he passed away, surrounded by his family, on Saturday, July 23, wearing a Tees Valley Titans shirt.

Lee Fawcett, Tees Valley Titans head coach, said: “Anyone who met Stephen instantly fell in love with his smile, his character and his cheekiness.

“Stephen was left paralysed when he was only six after being hit by a car. His strength got him through that as he learnt to cope with life in a wheelchair.

“At the age of 10, Stephen visited a fun day that was set up by a new wheelchair basketball club called the Tees Valley Titans.

“With no fear he jumped into one of the sports chairs and you could see he was a natural at the sport of wheelchair basketball.

“He joined the club and started compete at national Junior level. At such a young age, teams from around the country began to recognise his talent.

“He hated to lose and always apologised to his coaches if his team lost. That was just Stephen, if he wasn't practicing at club sessions, he was practicing at home.”

Stephen had been motivated by the hope of undergoing surgery on his spine in the future to improve his condition which required regular physiotherapy.

Following the deserved scouting to join a Team GB training camp, Stephen spoke to The Northern Echo and expressed his passion for the sport.

In April 2015, Stephen said: “I always have a ball in my hand and at home, while I have a hoop, I’m trying to persuade my family to make me a full court in the back garden.”

Stephen’s legacy will live on in with his Titans teammates and his coach, Mr Fawcett added: “Stephen was one of our own and a true Titan.”

Friends are invited to join the Johnson family on Tuesday, August 2, in St John's Church, Darlington, at 12.30pm.