The family of a Sudbury boy, who died suddenly from a brain tumour, have paid tribute to everyone who has supported their charitable endeavours in his memory, on the 10th anniversary of his death.
Friday marked exactly a decade since teenager Arran Tosh, a former Hedingham School pupil, lost his life.
The 13-year-old – described by his loved ones as ‘a fun, loving little boy who had a huge thirst for life’ – had been diagnosed just five days before he died on June 7, 2014.
In the 10 years since, his family have raised more than £220,000 through The Smile of Arran Trust – a charity they set up in his memory to help other young cancer patients.
The organisation also works closely with Young Lives Vs Cancer (YLVC) to provide grants to families affected by cancer, as well as funding for brain tumour research.
Arran’s family revealed that, last year alone, £8,250 was donated to YLVC’s Arran grant, which was then distributed among 57 individuals with cancer across the UK.
“As a family, we would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported the charity over the years,” said a family statement.
“Thank you doesn’t seem big enough for all the support we have received as a family over the past 10 years, but thank you.
“Thank you for keeping Arran’s memory alive and helping us to support children and young people, along with their families, who are diagnosed with brain tumours and brain cancers.
“Every donation counts and every donation helps to alleviate any financial burden these families are faced with when given a cancer diagnosis.
“We cannot believe that today marks 10 years since our beautiful boy was taken from us when his life was only just beginning.
“However, through the constant support the charity receives, Arran’s memory will live on forever.”
As part of the 10-year fundraising efforts, a family fun day was held in Sible Hedingham earlier this month, centred around a football match between Hedinghams United, Arran’s former team, and Halstead Town.
Preparations are now gathering pace for the Smile Festival, the charity’s annual music event, which is set to take place at AFC Sudbury on Saturday, July 20.
Headliners announced for this year’s festival include The Farm, Toploader, Afterdrive and local musicians, such as Phoebe Austin and Grace Calver.
To learn more about the Smile Festival, and to book tickets, go online to www.smilefestival.co.uk.
Alongside this, the charity has also announced the launch of the Smile of Arran 100 Club – a monthly initiative which invites people to buy numbered tickets for £1 each, which are entered into a prize draw.
Each month, a portion of the money will be handed out as a prize to the owner of the winning ticket, with the remaining proceeds going to the Smile of Arran Trust.
The first prize draw will take place on Friday, June 28, and tickets can be purchased on request by sending an email to soa100club@hotmail.com.
