Brave Raj Rana, eight, has lost his six year battle for life - a battle that inspired him and his family to raise thousands of pounds for a cancer charity.

Raj, from Manor Park in Slough, was a pupil at St Mary’s CofE Primary School in Church Road, Farnham Royal.

He died on Friday, April 20 - three months after doctors said there was no further treatment that could halt the spread of his brain tumour.

His mother Suki, who has worked tirelessly to increase awareness of brain tumours since Raj was originally diagnosed at the age of just two, said: “He was my beautiful, brave boy. He taught me about strength and determination.

“I will not stop working in his name to raise money and awareness of brain tumours so that one day we find a cure.

“We were told in 2012 that Raj might not survive for more than a few months. He was with us for six more years and we feel so blessed to have had him with us for that time.”

Raj and his parents Suki and Aman played a key part in The Brain Tumour Charity’s fund raising campaigns including the Twilight Walk in Windsor, raising more than £39,000.

The family's world was turned upside down in June 2012 when Raj suddenly lost the use of his left side and the tumour was discovered. He fought back, making a remarkable recovery.

But the tumour recurred and despite more treatment including proton beam therapy in the US, doctors told his family in January that they could not save him.

Raj spent the weeks before his death visiting places like Legoland and seeing the dinosaurs in the Wild Theme Park in London. He died in his mum's arms.

Sarah Lindsell, chief executive of The Brain Tumour Charity, said: “We are devastated for Suki and Aman and for all of Raj’s family and friends.

“Raj was much-loved at The Brain Tumour Charity for his smile and his enthusiasm for life as well as for his strength throughout his illness.

“His death is a fierce reminder of why we have to find a cure for brain tumours. He will continue to inspire us every day as we work towards that goal, so that families in the future do not face the heartbreak the Ranas are enduring.”

You can contribute through https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/raj-rana