'˜Tree will grow for my Charlie'

Charlie Jordan, 11, died onFebruary 17 2017 after a year-long battle with a serious brain tumour.

His loving mum Emma, 37, marked the one-year anniversary of his death by planting a crab apple tree in Wyre Estuary Country Park in his memory.

She said: “He will forever be 11 years old, but the tree will grow for him.

“A lot of his school friends live around Thornton and they can go down there and see it, and that’s really important.

“And it’s somewhere I can go when I’m struggling too.

“There have been good days and bad days. It has been difficult. Charlie was my only child.

“I’m trying to look on the bright side because that’s what he would have wanted.

“I honestly believe that the strength that has me getting up in the morning is all coming from him.”

Charlie, who lived with his mum on Orchard Close, Thornton, was diagnosed with DIPG - a highly aggressive brain tumour - in January 2016.

Between 20 and 30 children are diagnosed with the disease every year and there is currently no effective treatment, as the tumour grows within the brain stem.

The St Teresa’s Catholic Primary School pupil enjoyed an ‘amazing’ final year of trips to Disneyland, Universal Studios, and musicals in the London West End.

He met with CBBC stars Dick and Dom, and met Father Christmas during a holiday to Lapland.

Emma said: “He was all about happiness and brought me joy every day.

“He made me laugh every day. So I’m carrying on for him.

“It’s overwhelming how loved he was by everyone, not just his family but also his school.

“He touched a lot of people’s lives.

“He was so caring. He didn’t like to see anybody upset, particularly me, so that’s where I’m drawing strength from, as well as my family.

“If this year has proved anything, it’s that even if you argue with your family, even if you fall out, we will always be there for each other.”