FAMILY and friends have raised £12,000 for charities which helped a boy who died from a brain tumour.

Jake Whiteside, from Rayne, was diagnosed with cancer last year.

The popular Notley High pupil, aged 16, died last month.

His dad, Richard, of Elm Walk, said he was moved by the amount of people fundraising in Jake’s memory.

He said: “Jake’s story has inspired some of the fundraising.

“It’s quite uplifting, and it’s amazing the amount people are willing to give.

“When I totalled it up we comfortably have about £12,000 which is quite a phenomenal amount.”

Jake’s school friend, Tyler Bourke has raised more than £700 selling wristbands and setting up a fundraising page.

His cousin, Blair Hockley, is running the Edinburgh 5k Gung- Ho run on Saturday.

The fundraising page has made more than £1,500.

Another of his cousins, Charley Went, is planning a skydive in June and has raised more than £800.

She is also holding a charity ball at Channels Barn in Chelmsford on November 11.

Mr Whiteside said: “It has been a positive thing, we would rather still have Jake back but it does help us realise how well people thought of Jake.

“It’s nice to see the support there is out there for us, it is quite moving.”

Jake collapsed at school and later found out he had a tumour. His

funeral was held on May 2 at All Saints Church in Rayne.

To help Charley visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Charley-Went and to donate raffle prizes to the ball call 07930 175875.

To help Blair visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Karen-Hockley.

To help Tyler, see www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jake-whiteside.