A BOY who “always had a smile on his face” has died days after his sister was born.

Celvin Tiplady has died of a rare genetic disorder he had been battling since birth.

His parents were initially told by doctors that he was only likely to live a few weeks.

However, Celvin’s family have spoken warmly of the 19 months he spent with them and the joy he brought.

Celvin, who lived in Darlington, suffered from nemaline myopathy, which leads to muscular weakness and respiratory problems.

His brother, Calum, died of the disease when he was seven months old.

Fortunately, their sister, Flissate, has not got the condition.

Yesterday, Celvin’s mother, Melissa Regan, 20, said he had been in hospital several times in the past few weeks.

However, he was able to come home for a day on Christmas Day and was also able to see Flissate, who was born two weeks before he died.

Miss Regan said: “He knew that she was his sister. When we brought her to see him, we’d ask, ‘where’s your sister?’ and he would point to her.

“I am glad that he was able to see her and we were able to get photos of the pair of them.

“When she is older, I can tell her all about him.”

Miss Regan said that despite his condition, which sometimes caused him to stop breathing, Celvin was rarely upset.

She said he loved to be the centre of attention and enjoyed watching television, especially sign language programme Mr Tumble, which he used to watch and mimic the actions.

He also loved music, especially dance music. His favourite song, Jumping All Over the World, by Scooter, will be played at his funeral.

Miss Regan said: “He always had a smile on his face.

“He only ever got upset when he saw doctors as they used to prod him and inject him, but he loved the nurses and they loved him as well.

“He was a real charmer, the way he fluttered his eyes at you. He spoke through his eyes, he laughed and smiled with them.

“Despite everything, he was a real fighter, right until the end.”

■ Celvin’s funeral will take place at All Saints’ Church, Hurworth, near Darlington, at 1.15pm on Monday, followed by a private interment. People are requested to wear casual clothes and colours.