YOUNGSTERS at a village school have raised funds for charity following a classmate’s battle with a life-threatening condition.

Pupils at Steeple Bumpstead Primary School, in Bower Hall Drive, have helped raise £1,001 for a charity which supported one of the school’s students.

Oscar Sharland, five, was diagnosed with a type of brain cancer called medulloblastoma cancer, in July last year.

Since the diagnosis, the brave boy has undergone surgery, radiotherapy twice a day, and high-dosage chemotherapy.

Halstead Gazette: Fundraisers - Year One students at Steeple Bumpstead Primary School with organiser Amy Biship, a teacher, organiser Emma Owers, and Oscar's mum Lucy SharmanFundraisers - Year One students at Steeple Bumpstead Primary School with organiser Amy Biship, a teacher, organiser Emma Owers, and Oscar's mum Lucy Sharman (Image: PR)

Oscar had been supported by Saffron Walden business Laughter Specialists, which entertains and provides performers who are trained to bring fun and laughter to children in hospitals and hospices.

Admirably, Year One pupils were inspired by Oscar’s bravery and held a ‘silly run’ to raise money for the charity on May 3.

On the day of the race, bad weather meant the run could not take place on the school's field, but the students skipped, hopped, danced, crawled, and even did the robot in the school’s hall.

The Laughter Specialists were then informed about the raised funds on May 10 during an event at the school.

Oscar’s mum, Lucy, said: “The whole thing has been very overwhelming and such a lovely thing to do.

Halstead Gazette: Proud - Oscar Sharland with mum Lucy SharmanProud - Oscar Sharland with mum Lucy Sharman (Image: PR)

“Oscar has been in and out of hospital since last July but the school, all his friends and the parents have been amazing.

“He has been up and down, but still takes everything in his stride and when he has a bad day at school, I know his class look after him.”

The charity event was organised by Year One parents Amy Bishop and Emma Owers, who wanted to do something in support of Oscar, his family, and to give thanks to the charity which helped him.

The pair had only asked for voluntary donations or sponsorship and were “blown away by the amount raised.”

Lindsay Laxton and Lorraine Lambert, Year 1 teachers at Steeple Bumpstead Primary School, paid tribute to both Oscar and his classmates.

They said: “We are so proud of Oscar and how resilient he has been.

“He’s such a joy to teach and have in our class and it’s been wonderful to be part of this incredible fundraising event.”