Elmswell toddler Harry Crick is remembered at 'special' charity ball that raised almost £30,000 for Brain Tumour Research

The mother of a toddler who died from a rare brain tumour said she could feel ‘the love in the room’ for him at a ‘magical’ charity ball that raised a ‘mind-blowing’ £27,474 in his memory.

Harry Crick, from Elmswell, near Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket, was only two when he lost his life to one of the rarest forms of cancer in the world on October 13 last year.

Coinciding with the first anniversary of his death, the ‘Our Harry Our Hero’ charity ball took place on Saturday, October 15, at All Saints Hotel, just outside Bury St Edmunds, raising funds for Brain Tumour Research.

Harry’s mum Nelly, 31, organised the ball –which was attended by 250 guests – with the help of Harry’s dad Matt, 34, friends Rachael Robertson and Abbie James, and Hannah Cuthbertson, from All Saints Hotel.

Describing the event as 'special' and 'magical', she said she was ‘overwhelmed’ by people’s support, saying they had gone ‘above and beyond with their generosity’ as ‘that’s what Harry was to people’.

“I don’t think we could have done a better tribute for him,” she said. “The love in the room for Harry – I could feel him there as well. It was very special and a night I think I will remember forever.

“For us, we just want Harry to be remembered and for his legacy to live on and I promised him I would keep fighting for change and funding research.”

She added: “I just wanted to do him proud so no other families have to feel this pain every day. It’s something I cannot even put into words – the grief of losing a child is just unbearable.”

Nelly said hundreds of businesses had donated raffle and auction prizes for the event, with a painting by artist Harry Brioche going for £2,500.

She wanted to pass on her thanks to all the guests, businesses and suppliers for their generosity and support, including All Saints Hotel which didn't charge for use of the venue.

She said: “Just thank you to everyone for joining us and supporting us to keep Harry’s legacy alive and for remembering him. That’s important to us.”