The mother of 15-year-old Alex Holliday, who died in his sleep on a school trip to Cuba, has spoken out about her heartbreak.

Sarah Holliday, of Tankerton, has paid tribute to her son, saying he was 'the kindest boy' who 'touched so many people's lives'.

She said "Alex was the gentlest, kindest boy.

"He was always so funny and full of life.

"He has touched so many people's lives in his short time.

"We know that he had the most amazing time in Cuba and he died peacefully in his sleep.

"He was adored by his sister Ellie, and indeed by everyone who knew him."

The Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School student was on an organised trip to Cuba with the school when he died in his sleep last Friday.

The year 10 pupil passed away in his sleep while in his hotel room in the country's capital, Havana.

It's believed he suffered a medical episode during the early hours of Friday, from which he didn't recover.

Alex was taking part in a school trip organised through Operation Wallacea, predominantly studying marine ecology.

In line with at least three previous trips, students also take part in scuba diving, plus habitat explorations, all linked in to research conducted by the University of Havana.

The group flew out to Cuba on Thursday, July 27 and the 29 students and four staff members arrived back in Faversham yesterday afternoon.

Headteacher David Anderson broke the news of the youngster's tragic death.

He said: "Alex was a quiet and determined young man with a wonderful sense of humour; he enjoyed all aspects of school life and was making good academic progress.

"Alex was a wonderful person, unfailingly polite and courteous and keen to engage in the wider life of the school, particularly in sport and through his participation in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme.

"He would have been starting his final year of GCSE courses in September and his early passing is a great loss to the school.

"As you can imagine all members of the school community are deeply shocked and saddened by this terrible tragedy.

"Staff, students and Governors at Queen Elizabeth's offer their condolences to Alex's family at this most difficult of times, they are very much in our thoughts."

Alex hit the headlines last year when he organised a petition to get potholes repaired near where he lived.

The 15-year-old was a keen athlete and had been a member of Invicta East Kent Athletics Club for a few years.

One of his coaches, James Roberts, has paid tribute to Alex, saying he was 'a very keen runner'.

He said: "Alex was very quiet but also very humorous.

"He loved cross country running and it was his passion, he was a very keen runner.

"He fitted in with the group very well and you could see the humour in his eyes.

"He could make things funny without being unkind.

"He told me he was going to Cuba and that he was looking forward to it, but also that he was looking forward to coming home.

"Alex actually came to training the day before he was meant to be going to Cuba.

"He really did love it."

Russell Evans, event director of Whitstable junior park run posted a tribute to Alex saying he was a talented club runner.

He said: "It is with deep deep sadness that I have to report that Alex Holliday passed away on Friday whilst on a school trip to Cuba. Alex was only 15.

"Alex was one of us, not just a parkrunner who has completed a 100 runs but also a talented club runner with Invicta East and a Volunteer at Whitstable junior parkrun.

"It was only a couple of weeks ago that Alex completed a three-month placement with us as part of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme and I had the pleasure of completing his form noting how enjoyable it was to have him on board.

"He has touched so many people's lives in his short time" - Sarah Holliday

"Living so close I decided to drop the form into his letter box and just as I was near his house there he was cycling down the road.

"We had a good chat and he mentioned the trip which he was looking forward to.

"My association with Alex goes back to 2012 when he first started at parkrun and when Mum Sarah asked if I could run with him as he was getting so quick.

"His speed quickly went beyond my capabilities and Alex's times tumbled to the extent that very soon he was mixing it with the frontrunners.

"Alex also has the unique record of completing one junior parkrun with us at Whistable before retiring through old age.

"I remember the day well and it certainly caused a lot of amusement.

"I cannot even begin to think what the loss of Alex to first and foremost his family must feel like but also his many school friends and fellow athletes at Invicta East.

"The thoughts of us in the Whitstable junior parkrun team are with you all."