THE MOTHER of a boy who died of a brain tumour has been nominated for a Pride of Britain Award for her fundraising efforts.

Alison Tosh lost her son Arran two years ago, after a five-day battle with the tumour.

Since the death of her son, who went to Hedingham School, Alison has been tirelessly fundraising for The Smile of Arran charity in his name.

She has built a huge circle of support from celebrities, including The Proclaimers and Jamie Oliver.

Her friend, Stacey Knapp, nominated her for the country's most prestigious award for all her hard work.

Mrs Tosh said: "I was so shocked when Stacey first told me she had nominated me.

"At first I felt embarrassed to be nominated- I feel the award should not just be for me.

"I've not been the only one who has raised the money. There have been lots of Fundraising Angels including family and friends that have helped in Arran's memory to raise over £80,000.

"I don' think I appreciated how people saw me. I'm just an ordinary mum, looking after her family and doing the job that Arran started, and knowing all the things he wanted to achieve gives me the inspiration and strength to keep going."

Mrs Tosh explained she had worked with her friend who nominated her at St Andrew's School in Great Yeldham.

She was a teaching assistant there from February until June in the year before Arran passed away.

She said knowing how many children The Smile of Arran has helped over the last two years is overwhelming.

She wants to advise parents to take their children to the opticians every year- as this is how Arran's tumour was discovered.

Mrs Tosh said: "I'm one of four from the East Anglian region who has been nominated for the Fundraiser of the Year award for Pride of Britain.

"Our story will be shown along with others on the week of October 10 and it will be on the ITV Anglian news on October 11."

The winner will be announced on October 14 and The Pride of Britain Awards will air on ITV on November 1.

Visit www.smileofarran.org