A ROMSEY family has raised thousands of pounds in a bid to set up a charity in memory of their son, who died after a five year battle with cancer.
As reported, Alfie Butler, 5, passed away with his parents by his side at their home in January.
He was just eight months old when he fell ill and was rushed to hospital where doctors told his parents James and Charlotte the devastating news that their boy had a potentially deadly brain tumour.
Now, James and Charlotte have raked in £6,885 from their GoFundMe page, in an effort to set up Alfie's Wish.
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The charity would send families to Alfie's "favourite place in the world" - Peppa Pig World.
James Butler said: "We launched the page on Father's Day [June 21] because we decided as a family we wanted to set up a charity in Alfie's memory and give back to people who have been through what we have experienced.
"We looked into how we could become a registered charity and you have to have £5,000 to start with, according to the Government.
"We did not have that money in the bank, so we called on friends and family to help spread the word about our page and we got the money together in five days, which we were absolutely blown away by."
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The 46-year-old added: "For us, when Alfie was diagnosed with cancer the first thing you notice is how financially hard you're hit.
"It has been well-documented through national charity websites that it can cost families on average £600 more per month when a child is diagnosed with cancer, so having days out becomes more tricky.
"[Going to Peppa Pig World] was an opportunity to get out and put some smiles on Alfie's face.
"It was his favourite place in the world and we felt it was appropriate to send young children and families there, because we know how much it meant to Alfie and the pleasure it gave him."
James added their aim is to get "referrals for the families through children's cancer charities", where their charity would cover all the costs for the day out, such as day tickets into the park, travel and even accommodation if families are travelling from "far away".
He highlighted Alfie's Wish could be established by the "end of the year" if the application is given the green light.
To donate to the family's cause, visit https://bit.ly/32hsKMr.
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