A group of Pewsey mums will be striding it out along the Kennet and Avon tow path for ten miles on Satur-day to raise money for the family of 11-year-old Charlie Charles, who is battling a brain tumour that has spread into his brain stem.

Charlie, who lives in Wilcot Road with his mother Teresa and step father Alan Perren, was diagnosed with a brain tumour five weeks ago after he began suffering headaches, and a visit to the local opticians revealed a problem behind one of his eyes. They referred him to his doctor.

He was sent to see a consultant at Great Western Hospital and admitted straight away.

His mother and her partner are staying at Charlie’s bedside in Great Western Hospital where he underwent surgery on Tues-day in a drastic bid to halt the cancer.

Charlie has just left Pewsey Primary School and is due to start at Pewsey Vale School in September with his friends. Their mums have got together to raise some money to help Mrs Charles, who is having to take unpaid leave from her job as a postwoman in Pewsey.

Close friend Tracie Robb said: “Teresa is having to take unpaid leave from work and she has the cost of travelling to and from the hospital so we decided we would do something to raise some money for the family.

“A group of us got together and we decided that one way of raising money would be to have a sponsored walk along the Kennet and Avon Canal from Pewsey Wharf to Devizes and we are doing it on Saturday.”

She is being joined by Niki Young, Claire Amor, Caroline Lewis, Gina Todman, Katrina Minnear and Natasha Richards, who was unable to make Tuesday’s photocall outside the Waterfront Bar at Pewsey Wharf. They all live in Pewsey and have children who know Charlie.

Mrs Robb said: “Teresa is more or less living at the hospital so that she can be with Charlie.

“Alan is having to work mornings before he can drive up to the hospital and then he has to drive back at night and it all costs money at a time when Teresa has put her job on hold.

“Most of the local businesses have given us prizes for a big raffle we will be holding at the Royal Oak when we get back there on Saturday night,” said Mrs Robb.

John Black, who runs a metal recycling business in Wilcot Road, was so impressed by the women’s efforts he chipped in £50 towards their proceeds.

Mrs Robb has pledges for more than £300, and between them, the women are confident of raising at least £1,000.

Well-wishers can leave donations at the Royal Oak.