A TEENAGER is planning to run in the Humber Bridge half marathon to help other children suffering from the illness which cost York schoolboy Oscar Hughes his life.

York College student Jack Rushworth originally wanted to raise funds to help pay for Oscar, nine, of Dunnington, to go abroad to take part in promising research and clinical trials following a relapse in his recovery from a brain tumour.

But, as The Press reported on Monday, the youngster passed away peacefully in his parents' arms at the weekend after the relapse proved too aggressive to treat.

His parents Ian and Marie have decided that any money not used for Oscar should be re-directed to brain tumour charities to help other children in similar situations.

Jack, 18, from Newton-on-Ouse, near Easingwold, said he hoped to raise £1,000 by running in the Humber Bridge half marathon on June 29.

"My dad was diagnosed with a pituitary tumour in February 1996 and was medically cleared at the start of 1997," he said. "My family are therefore very supportive of my decision to raise money for children with brain tumours."

Meanwhile, money is continuing to pour in to the appeal, taking it past the £60,000 milestone, including £123 raised through a bucket collection by Hamilton Panthers at a gala day. The club posted a message on the fundraising website http://www.gofundme.com/ fightingforoscar, saying:”All our players, coaches and parents will miss you dearly Oscar."

A charity auction held on Sunday evening at health and fitness club David Lloyd York in Hull Road - of which Oscar was a promising young player - also raised more than £4,000.

Auction prizes include free lessons donated by tennis coaches who worked with Oscar and personal training packages.

General manager Tracey Pinfold said beforehand that everyone had wanted to show their support and do whatever they could to help.

ASDA Monks Cross has also raised £2,000 through a number of activities including bag packing by Dunnington Scouts and Guides over the weekend.