Children from Ashby's Church of England Primary School took part in a sponsored Bouncathon in memory of a pupil who sadly passed away recently aged just seven years old due a brain tumour.

The school is aiming to raise £2,500 for a wooden play train to be installed at the school as a way of celebrating the life of the boy, called Ceylian.

Ashby's Rebound Inflatable Park offered its facilities for free on Monday so that children could take part in the sponsored event on what would have been Ceylian's eighth birthday.

The school's Deputy Headteacher, Jo Trahearn, explained more behind the reasons for the fundraising initiative.

She said: "Sadly, just before Christmas, Ceylian passed away peacefully after bravely battling a brain tumour.

"His tumour was diagnosed and initially removed before commencing school and whilst with us he went through numerous rounds of chemotherapy.

"Ceylian absolutely loved life and made the most of every day.

"He was a kind, caring little boy with an incredible sense of humour and the biggest of smiles which was infectious.

advertisement

"He loved playing with his friends, being outside and active and had a passion for trains.

"Even through some of the most difficult times, Ceylian never once complained, his positivity and zest for life really was an inspiration to others.

"During the Summer of 2020, Ceylian's family decided to return home to be closer to family in France, which is where they currently reside.

"Obviously, a lot of our children were saddened by the news of Ceylian and expressed a wish to commemorate and celebrate his life.

"He would have been eight on Monday and should be in Year 3.

"His classmates felt that having a wooden play train, 'The Ceylian Express' painted in his favourite colour and installed in our playground for children to enjoy, would be a really fitting way to celebrated and remember him.

"In order to help raise money (£2,500 excluding VAT) to purchase the train the children, decided they wanted to do a sponsored event and Ben at Rebound very kindly offered their facilities for free.

"I'd like to express how grateful we are to Rebound for making this event possible and going above and beyond to help us mark the birthday of such a wonderful little boy whose life was cut short.

advertisement

"The children had an absolutely amazing time and have already raised a lot of money."

A spokesman for Rebound said: "We offered our facilities to the school free of charge to help with the sponsorship, and the children have had a great time!

"We certainly hope you raise the amount of money needed."