'I love you mum': Tragic last words of 15-year-old pneumonia victim

Those were the heartbreaking final words of Tracey Betts to her 15-year-old son Callan just hours before he died on New Year's Eve.

Callan Fendall-Betts died from pneumonia less than a week after developing a cough.

The youngster, from Dudley, had suffered a lung condition for six years and also had epilepsy but neither had a major effect on his day-to-day life.

His devastated parents describe him as a 'cheeky teenager who kept his sense of humour right to the end'.

For the Lower Gornal teenager, all was well in the world in the days before his life was tragically cut short.

He had enjoyed Christmas before celebrating his first anniversary with his girlfriend two days later. He was looking forward to the future, having been accepted at Halesowen College.

Callan had had a malformed left lung for six years and also lived with epilepsy. But they were conditions that were managed and though his parents always kept a close eye on him, did not overshadow his life. His lung condition meant he was more susceptible to illness and his body less able to fight infections. He had received flu and pneumonia jabs after being diagnosed.

Father Mark Fendall said: "He was always active. He would do everything all the other kids did, running around and playing football in the garden. To look at him you wouldn't think there was anything wrong, he was just an ordinary lad. Even down to his sports day at primary school, he ran the 100 metres and did the last 10 metres backwards to show he could do it."

Miss Betts said: "He had to be careful. He was on antibiotics to make sure he didn't get colds or chest infections. He had regular check-ups. A cold for him could hang around. But it was not something we thought would limit his life in any way."

Callan was in his final year at school and was looking forward to starting at Halesowen College in September. His ambition was to teach music, which his parents said was his love.

He was a talented keyboard player and taught himself to play the piano using YouTube clips. He was also said to be 'totally smitten' with girlfriend Lizzie, who was in his year at school.

Mr Fendall said: "He was a joker. He took after me with his sense of humour, it was wicked and a bit naughty. He could make a joke out of anything."

Miss Betts said: "He was silly, funny, happy, loving. If you could dream about a child and pick all things for it to have, he had them."

It was only recently that Callan showed off his musical talent, at the Halesowen College open evening at Himley Hall where he played the keyboard. Although very gifted, he had always been shy about playing in public.

Miss Betts said: "He had never played publicly, he was always a bit embarrassed about it. That was the only time he ever played. That for us was a lovely thing to see. That was his love – music."

Callan's Facebook page has been swamped by messages from friends and classmates. Teachers and pupils at Ellowes Hall Sports College wore blue ribbons as an assembly was held to mark his passing. Floral tributes have also been left at the school and Callan's parents say they have been overwhelmed by the level of support.

Headteacher Alan Jasper said: "We're very much in shock. He was a bright, able young man who was very popular. He was a very talented pianist. A lot of nice words have been put on his Facebook page.

"We had a blue accessory day, which is what parents requested. I have spoken to his parents who are very much in shock as well. We send our deepest condolences to his family. It's tragic – he passed away right at the end of 2015."

A date hasn't yet been set for the funeral.