PRESENTS have been donated to children being treated for cancer in memory of York schoolboy Jamie Inglis.

The seven-year-old Lord Deramore Primary School pupil was not well enough to open his presents last Christmas and sadly died in January.

In Jamie’s memory, his mother Vicky and sister Poppy have held a pass the parcel event for children at the cancer ward at Leeds General Infirmary, where Jamie was treated.

The gifts were delivered by two cycling Santas, who are travelling the length of Britain to raise money for the Neuroblastoma Children’s Cancer Alliance (NCCA), which supports children suffering from the childhood cancer and their families.

Cycling Santas Paul Christie and Adam Brushett are cycling from Exeter in Devon to Troon in Scotland and visited Leeds to remember Jamie and Sadie Rose Clifford, a two-year-old girl from Knaresborough who died last year.

They were also there in honour of West Yorkshire’s Joseph Lillywhite who is currently undergoing neuroblastoma treatment.

Vicky said: “Stepping through the oncology ward and walking past Jamie’s isolation room was difficult but then a smile and a gasp from me as I realised that Joseph was actually in the same room. Through the window barrier it could quite easily have been Jamie lying there”.

The cycling Santas presented Jamie’s sister Poppy with a sackful of gifts to hand out.

“It was a very humbling experience to have parents want to spend time with us and talk about their journey. At times it was very emotional for us and the parents as we shared a unique and common understanding.

“As Jamie’s mummy I can’t thank the Cycling Santa’s enough for what they are doing to raise awareness of neuroblastoma and to all of our friends and family who so kindly donated Christmas presents.

“December will always hold special memories, whilst some of those are sad memories today was about creating new memories in recognition of the life of Jamie Inglis.

“Thank you to all involved who have helped make this become a reality.”

So many presents were donated, the children were given three each.

It is hoped “pass the parcel” will become an annual event.