A CHARITY set up so the memory of a much-loved little boy would always live on has raised thousands of pounds in 2015.

Finlay Connor died in March 2011 aged just six as he walked to school in Woodborough near Pewsey with his mum Niki. The pair were both hit by a bus after the driver mounted the pavement.

Finlay died in the road outside the school and his mother spent weeks in hospital. In the time of despair after the accident the Finlay Foundation was formed by his parents Niki and Greg.

Now more than four years later the foundation is still making a difference to children's lives as it tries to keep them happy and safe.

Mrs Connor, 41, who lives in Devizes with Finlay's younger brother Louis, now eight, said: "The Finlay Foundation has provided hundreds and hundreds of high visibility vests to children in primary schools, pre-schools, disability groups, scout groups and child minders throughout Wiltshire, Somerset and Gloucestershire.

"We have provided toys and sensory equipment to the Royal United Hospital in Bath, Incredible Kids in Bristol, Hop, skip & jump children's centre's in Bristol, Swindon & Cheltenham."

A cash donation was made to both Great Western and Wiltshire air ambulances and equipment was given to the equine therapy centre Spiritus in Great Cheverell which helps young people with emotional and behavioural problems.

Devizes Opportunity Centre and a play bus scheme also benefitted.

During 2015 the charity has held a number of fundraising events and has been supported by a number of groups and individuals who have run, cycled and walked to help the cause.

One of the biggest donations has come from Avral, Swindon, after a team cycled from its offices in Wiltshire to ones in Paris and raised £7,625.10.

Mrs Connor said: "It was a truly staggering amount." She thanked Tracey Fuller for nominating the foundation as one of the company's chosen charities for 2015. Nationwide in Swindon also backed the cause.

On a slightly smaller scale children from The Avenue Day Nursery in Marlborough held a sponsored toddle in November to thank the charity for the high visibility jackets that had been donated to them earlier in the year. The children raised £500 with their walk

There was also thanks from Holy Trinity primary in Great Cheverell after the foundation presented the school with yellow vests.

Head teacher Mercedes Henning thanked the charity and said: "We now have enough for each child to have one when we go out as a school, and also enough to give one to each child who walks or cycles to school.

"At this time of year in particular, it is vital that we do all in our power to ensure our children are seen and are safe.

"We are very grateful for the outreach which supports the work we do to make sure our children are safe."

A ball held in November raised £5,100 to the delight of fundraisers. Pictures of Finlay took pride of place as Mrs Connor made sure everyone present knew why they were there.

She said: "It has been an amazing year for people supporting us, we have had people run races, cycle to Paris, climb Kilimanjaro, compete in personal endurance events, pack bags, bake cakes and make Christmas wreaths.

"The list goes on, it is truly overwhelming."

She is confident the work will continue in 2016. Accountant Karen Hall has been appointed as the charity's new treasurer and there will be some new trustees.

Two gift and craft fairs are planned and the Finlay's Angels are to be reformed after their abseil exploits to take on a zip wire challenge.

Mrs Connor said: "I never expected for one moment that four years on, the charity would be so well supported and therefore able to help as many hundreds of children that we can do, all thanks to the fantastic love and support shown to the foundation and I like to feel, for Finlay."