A MOTHER last night paid tribute to her "brave" son who was given weeks to live at birth but battled on into his late teens.
Markie Maybury, of Folly Lane, Holmwood, died at Epsom Hospital last week while being treated for bronchopneumonia, a common infection of the respiratory system.
The 18-year-old had suffered from Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome, a rare chromosomal condition which meant he could not walk or talk, was blind and had epilepsy.
Markie's mother Jan Maybury said her son was defiant despite his disability, and that he would be missed by many people.
"He was so strong, right to the end," she said. "He was in a wheelchair all of his life and he hated the idea of staying still; he was always on the move, in his mind at least.
"He was the sort of person who loved to have his wheelchair pushed for him. He wanted to do things on his own and on his own terms, but that became more and more difficult as he got older.
"His death did come as a big shock to the whole family, but we are just grateful for the love and care he received during his life.
"We will never forget it."
Markie's condition was so severe that doctors told his parents he only had two weeks to live when he was born, and he needed constant care throughout his life.
He became a residential learner at The Children's Trust in Tadworth when he was seven, where he received 24-hour care until his death on February 11.
"I know everyone at the charity is really upset about it because he really bonded with them during his time there. Everybody described him as a character, someone who expressed his personality," added Mrs Maybury.
The mother of four was due to run the London Marathon for the charity on April 21, and said her son's passing was now "an added motivator".
The 44-year-old said: "They completely threw Markie a lifeline by taking him on, and we cannot thank them enough for that.
"I hope that by running the marathon I will be able to raise sponsorship money to help fund the vital equipment and care that the dedicated staff at the trust provide to ensure Mark and many other young people have the best possible quality of life."
To sponsor Mrs Maybury, visit www.virginmoneygiv ing.com/JaniceMaybury
