Tributes have been pouring in for an inspirational Birmingham student and journalist after his death from cancer at 21.

Dean Eastmond shared his battle with Ewings Sarcoma, a rare form of bone and soft tissue cancer, on social media and his blog.

And he also managed to change the rules regarding equal fertility rights.

Condolences have been paid by heartbroken celebrities including Judge Rinder, Sir Matthew Bourne and Zoe Ball.

And before his death, stars including Nicole Scherzinger, Dua Lipa and Michelle Visage sent him messages of support.

Today his close friend, Birmingham publicist Amy Stutz, said: Dean was the most selfless, kind and humble person Ive ever known.

He made such an impact on so many people. He would be really touched by the messages flowing in.

He was such a fighter. Even at the end he was determined he wasnt going to die.

Dean was recognised at the 2017 Attitude Pride Awards, where he met Gok Wan and Nick Grimshaw, for his work with the LGBT community.

He launched the gay lifestyle magazine HISKIND and campaigned for a change in the rules regarding fertility.

During chemotherapy, Dean was advised to store his sperm as it was likely to make him infertile. But he was shocked to be told that his boyfriend, Adam Packer, would not be able to access the sperm because of their same-sex relationship.

He was furious and contacted the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority and, after several discussions, his request changed the rules to allow all people, regardless of sexual orientation, to stipulate who can use their sperm after death.

Dean was studying English Language at the University of Birmingham when he discovered a large lump in his chest.

He was forced to drop out after the second yet but was treated in Birmingham because of the reputation of Queen Elizabeth Hospital and its Teenage Cancer Trust ward.

Dean wrote regularly for Redbrick, the paper for Birmingham University students, and for The National Student.

He was particularly well known in Birminghams theatre scene as he reviewed productions at Birmingham Hippodrome and Birmingham Royal Ballet.

BRB tweeted: We are saddened to hear of the passing of a friend. An inspirational person who will be missed.

Dance supremo Sir Matthew Bourne tweeted after his death: A true hero RIP sweet Dean - you made a difference. Today I feel heartbroken.

Zoe Ball said: Heartbroken. Incredible force, truly inspired so many.

And Judge Rinder posted: You are proof that its not the years in your life that count, its the life in your years.

Guardian columnist Owen Jones said: An amazing, courageous, inspirational queer young journalist. He moved so, so many people.

BBC broadcaster Victoria Derbyshire, who has been treated for breast cancer, retweeted what Dean said when she asked: In a sentence, what would you write to cancer?

He replied: #DearCancer though youve stripped me of my identity as I enter my last weeks of life, youve been a gift in so many ways and taught me so much.

To which Victoria had replied: Ive just been reading some of your articles. Beautiful, visceral, searingly poignant. Coherent, well-written, honest, and by sharing what you experience, you help others.

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Stars' tributes pour in for inspirational Birmingham student who has died at 21 - Birmingham Mail