HE BECAME an internet sensation after millions watched him on YouTube meeting his superhero – and thousands of people changed their Facebook profile pictures to that of Spider-Man in tribute to Jayden Wilson, after he lost his battle with cancer on Christmas Eve.

Five-year-old Jayden’s family announced on Boxing Day, via the Hope For Jayden Facebook page, that the brave youngster had passed away in his bed after battling an incurable grade four stem brain tumour.

The St Mark’s Primary School pupil was diagnosed with the tumour in September 2013 after he was given a CT scan following a fall in August when he bumped his head.

His family, from Beggarwood, Basingstoke, were given the devastating news that he had just a year to live – but they were determined not to give up hope.

Jayden captured the hearts of thousands of people after his family set up the Hope for Jayden page, asking followers to “hope for a miracle” for their little boy.

It was on this page, which has been liked by over 44,000 people, that Jayden’s parents, Mike and Lou, who are expecting a baby boy in February, posted their happy news that their son was coming home for Christmas.

They uploaded a picture showing Jayden in the car leaving hospital, where he had been for several weeks battling a chest infection, with the caption: “GOING HOME FOR XMAS!! Yaaaayyyy!!!

“A goal of ours for this year was to wake up on Christmas Day together just the 4 of us.”

Mike and Lou had hoped Jayden could be with them and his seven-year-old sister, Ella, on Christmas Day, but just hours after returning home, their little boy passed away.

Speaking on Monday, his grieving father Mike told The Gazette: “Something told me it would be amazing to take him home and have Christmas Eve together. I am very thankful for that. It was important to us that we were all home.”

The family, who believe Jayden waited to come home to die, posted on Facebook: “Jayden fought an amazing battle. By far he was the most bravest person we know.

“But, unfortunately late on Christmas Eve, Jayden died peacefully in his sleep, warm in his bed. He looked so relaxed with a very subtle grin on his face. We believe he waited to be out of hospital to be with his family in the most safest place he knew.”

As The Gazette went to press, more than 18,000 people had liked the post and over 7,000 people had sent comments of condolence to the family.

Jayden became an internet sensation after his dad posted a video on YouTube in November of his son meeting his hero – Spider-Man – on his fifth birthday in August.

Over nine million people have viewed the footage, which shows Mike dressed in the replica costume surprising his son.

Following the announcement of Jayden’s death, thousands of people changed their profile pictures on Facebook to that of Spider-Man, in tribute to the little boy.

Mike said the support from everyone has been overwhelming. He added: “A few days after we told everyone, everyone changed their social media pictures and it was really overwhelming. Thousands of people have done it.

“This is why we did the Facebook page because it was an amazing way of coming to terms with things and having support from everyone around the world. It did offer us some comfort. It really is an incredible way to communicate and put you at ease through a difficult time.”