THE funeral of a little boy who taught his family to “keep smiling” will be held today.

Family and friends will pay tribute to 10-year-old Aidan Collinson, who died at his home, in Ormston Avenue, Horwich, on March 10 — Mother’s Day.

Aidan’s devastated mum, Sharon Collinson, said he was the “happiest little boy” and his death was “unexpected”.

“He was always smiling and laughing and he taught us all that no matter what happens, just keep smiling,” she said.

Aidan, who was diagnosed with epilepsy when he was five months old, was severely disabled and blind, and required round-the-clock care.

He had suffered from weight gain problems and had operations on his stomach.

Aidan had attended Green Fold Special School, in Farnworth, for several years until he became too ill about three years ago and was taught at home by his mother.

Since October, Aidan, who loved to listen to music, had been housebound and in the days leading up to his death had contracted a cold.

Since his death, Mrs Collinson, her older son Joshua, aged 13, and her parents Carol and Roy Upshall, have been inundated with cards and flowers from family and friends who knew and loved Aidan.

Mrs Collinson said Aidan had friends all over Horwich and they would come and say hello to him when he was out in his wheelchair and when he went on regular trips to Rivington with his grandparents. She said: “He used to love going up to Rivington and listening to the birds and the rustling of the trees.

“He loved music, his favourite thing of all was his music, he loved bongos and bells. He loved Crazy Frog and that will be played when his coffin is carried into the church.

“The support that we have had has been amazing. He will be missed, Aidan brightened up everyone’s day.”

Mrs Collinson plans to buy a bench to bne sited in Rivington in memory of Aidan.

The funeral will be at Horwich Parish Church, at 11.15am, followed by an interment, at Ridgmont Cemetery, at noon.