'People have taken my son's story to their hearts'

The mother of a boy who died from a rare form of brain cancer says people have "really taken him to their hearts" as they prepare for their third annual fundraiser in his memory.

Four-year-old Billy Thompson, from Great Bookham, Surrey, died on 31 March, 2024, five months after he was diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), an aggressive tumour which develops in the brain stem.

His mother, Ellie, says they "can't see this happen to other children", as they aim to fundraise for research into DIPG treatments.

She said: "He was the most joyous, happy-go-lucky little thing."

Ellie added: "The first year of the fundraiser was supposed to be his birthday, but it turned out to be the day after his funeral.

"He has people who love him from everywhere. They have really taken Billy to their hearts."

DIPG mainly presents itself in children aged five to 10 years, there is no cure and most children die within 18 months of diagnosis, according to Brain Research UK.

Main symptoms of the tumour include problems with walking, coordination or balance and weakness in the arms or legs, according to the Brain Tumour Charity.

Ellie said she had set up Billy's Battalion, a DIPG charity, in her son's memory after beginning fundraising shortly after his death.

She said that much of their fundraising came from social media, where Ellie writes letters to Billy. A JustGiving page for Billy's Battalion has raised over £33,000.

Their work has included fundraising with the Effingham and Leatherhead Rugby Club, and Billy's Bash, a yearly event being held on Saturday at Cobham Free School.

Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.