THE family of a seven-year-old who died of a rare brain tumour visited a research centre dedicated to finding a cure.

Karen Carter-Bates and Dean Bates, of Warrens Shawe Lane, Edgware, set up Charlie Charges On last year after losing little Charlie five years ago.

The couple have so far raised £23,000 since the Brain Tumour Research fundraising group began.

Together with their other children, Annabelle, Tristan and Aurora, they toured the Centres of Excellence at Queen Mary’s University to see where their money goes.

Mrs Carter-Bates said: “It’s a difficult time right now with the anniversary of when we lost Charlie and of the funeral, as well as Christmas coming up, but we just try to get through, taking one day at a time.

“I am so grateful to the local community for all their support. It’s amazing how much has been raised.”

During their visit, they put up four tiles on the Wall of Hope, which signifies four more days of research sponsored by Charlie Charges On .

The dates chosen were November 15, the anniversary of the day he died, and April 6, his birthday.

Since launching Charlie Charges On last year, the family have held a Greek Night, a black tie ball and charity run’s in their son’s memory.

Broadfields Primary School, where Charlie was a pupil, have also helped raise money to sponsor research into finding a cure.

Mrs Carter-Bates added: “Lots of things remind us of Charlie, but especially robins. Nearly every day when I walk the kids to school we see a robin. I have always said to the children – that’s Charlie saying hello.

“I am so grateful to the local community for all their support. It’s amazing how much has been raised. .

“To be able to say that all the support from friends, family, local businesses and Broadfields Primary School has already helped us sponsor eight days of research is incredible.

“ It won’t bring Charlie back, but it will bring us closer to a cure for brain tumours which kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer yet just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to brain tumours this terrible disease which devastates families.”

To donate go to www.justgiving.com/charliechargeson or text 70070 then CCCB47 followed by the amount (£3, £5 or £10).