A mother was sprinkled with colourful paints as she completed an obstacle course in memory of her seven-year-old son.

Karen Carter-Bates, of Warrens Shawe Lane, Edgware, and seven of her friends took part in the 5k Colour Obstacle Rush in London to raise money for Charlie Charges On.

Her son Charlie died of an aggressive tumour five years ago and Karen, together with her husband Dean Bates, launched the group, which is part of the Brain Tumour Research Fund, in March 2014.

Karen, who has three other children, said: “The race was so much fun – one thing that kept me going is knowing how much Charlie would have loved taking part in something like that.

“It was a nice feeling to know we have done something else in Charlie’s memory. I know he would have been so proud.”

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Together with her friends, Clair Stevenson, Chantal Symons, Katie Gold, Emma Ciufo, Clare Winny, Jane McGuinness and Danielle Caigari, they raised £800 for the cause.

Since Charlie Charges On was launched, Charlie’s parents have raised £19,000 by holding various events, including a glitter ball and a Mad Hatters tea party.

Charlie first began complaining of headaches and vomiting in the summer of 2009, aged six, but despite repeated trips to the doctor he was diagnosed with a migraine or a stomach bug.

When a brain scan revealed he had a tumour, his parents were given the devastating news that he had just a 25 per cent chance of survival.

Even though brain tumours kill more people under 40 than any other cancer, the disease receives less than one per cent in grant money for research purposes. A day of research costs £2,740.

Karen added: “I’m amazed at how much money we’ve raised for Charlie so far, but we won’t stop.”

To find out more about his story or make a donation in his memory, visit https://www.justgiving.com/charliechargeson/

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