'Since Elias left us he's still having an impact'

A school is fundraising for a sensory garden in memory of their pupil Elias, who died from a rare brain tumour in March, one day after his fifth birthday.

St Mary's Church of England Primary School in Writhlington, near Radstock, is holding a penalty shootout fundraiser on Tuesday to contribute towards the cost of the garden.

The pupils at the school were set to dress up in red and blue, a nod to Elias' love for Spiderman.

Jake Hearne, Elias' dad, said: "He had quite a big impact on a lot of people. Since he's left us he's continued to have an impact. He was a special little boy and brought people together."

Abbie Petteford, Elias' mum, added: "Elias is a character. He's funny, he's got the kindest nature about him. He loves monster trucks and Spiderman, he's the most perfect little boy."

She said they first noticed something was wrong when Elias bumped the back of his head and "it looked like he had a stroke".

"We were going back and forth to the doctor for about three weeks until they finally listened and said they'd do a CT scan," Abbie said.

"They found an abnormality on his brain."

Elias was diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma in April last year, a rare brain tumour that mainly affects children.

He died a year later.

His parents have been fundraising, hoping to be able to keep Elias' memory alive.

"We've done a few walks, a fun day, we've done quite a lot," Abbie said.

"We want to try and set up a charity in Elias' name. Our hope is to help parents who have gone through the same."

Elias' school is organising a penalty shoot out on Tuesday, for the pupils to take part in.

Scott Sinclair from Bristol Rovers will be visiting them to support the event.

The money raised will go to a sensory garden in Elias' name at the school.

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