Whether on the pitch or at school, Kaylem Scopes made friends wherever he went.

"He noticed people who were on their own and made sure they were included,” said Kaylem’s mother, Jenna Scopes. “People gravitated towards him. He was just nice to be around."

Kaylem, who lived with parents, brother and sister in Rendlesham, was born on August 13, 2010.

He was the eldest child of Jenna and Liam Scopes and a much-loved big brother to Alyssa, 13, and seven-year-old Kye.

Kaylem was the eldest of his parents' three children. (Image: Jenna Scopes)

Kaylem with his family: Mum Jenna, Dad Liam and younger siblings, Alyssa and Kye. (Image: Jenna Scopes)

Kaylem was diagnosed with leukaemia in October 2025 after feeling unwell following a football match. A GP suspected glandular fever, but his worried family took him to hospital, where doctors delivered the diagnosis.

Despite months of intensive treatment, Kaylem stayed positive and refused to let leukaemia define him.

"He never got upset, never moaned, and just took everything in his stride," Jenna said. "The doctors and nurses absolutely loved him. He just charmed everybody.

“He fought so hard.”

From an early age, football was his passion, something he shared with Liam.

Kaylem joined Woodbridge Town as a young boy, where he was coached by his father, before being scouted by both Ipswich Town and Norwich City. Choosing Ipswich, he spent several years in the club's academy system from under-eight to under-14 level.

Kaylem’s mother, Jenna, said football had been part of his life for as long as anyone could remember.

"He started playing football as soon as he could walk, probably before then," she said. "We used to hold his hands while he tried to kick a ball."

A lifelong Manchester United supporter, Kaylem captained his school teams and never lost his love of football.

Kaylem played for Ipswich Town's academy for several years. (Image: ITFC)

Kaylem was playing football as soon as he could walk. (Image: Jenna Scopes)

Away from the pitch, Kaylem was known for his warmth and kindness.

Described by Jenna as “cheeky, kind and laid-back", he had a close group of friends from childhood and formed many more friendships during his time at Farlingaye High School.

Since Kaylem’s death, the family has been inundated with messages of support. One mother got in contact, explaining that her daughter had been bullied at school. When Kaylem noticed the girl was alone, he invited her to play football with him and stood up for her when others would not.

"He always looked out for people," Jenna said. "He was just a genuinely nice kid.”

Kaylem's family said he was 'cheeky, kind and laid-back'. (Image: Jenna Scopes)

Kaylem passed his school exams, despite a year of intensive treatment. (Image: Jenna Scopes)

Kaylem was also captain of his school football team. (Image: Jenna Scopes)

Although he was able to attend only a handful of days of Year 11, Kaylem still sat his GCSEs and passed his exams.

During his treatment, support poured in from friends, family, schools, football clubs, footballers and celebrities including Wayne Rooney, Jamie Redknapp and James Buckley, known as Jay from The Inbetweeners.

Many of the family’s happiest days with Kaylem were spent in Florida, where he loved visiting Disney and Universal theme parks, watching NBA games and spending quality time with those closest to him, memories they will now treasure.

Kaylem died at home on October 10, aged 16, surrounded by his family.

A celebration of his life will be held at Seven Hills Crematorium at 3pm, October 27.