THE family of Alvechurch schoolboy Fin Church who died from a brain tumour have helped launch a national fundraising campaign.

Hat-lover Fin, named a Child of Courage at the Pride of Birmingham Awards, died in November 2015, 17 months after he was diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), a very aggressive brain tumour.

During his illness, Fin dedicated himself to fundraising and became the Guinness world record holder for the longest number of teddy bears in a line.

A big fan of hats, Fin’s headwear of choice was a police hat and the West Midlands force now has a service dog named after him.

Another world record was set in his memory when, on what would have been his 12th birthday, friends and family came together to create the longest line of hats.

His parents Penny and Wayne, have continued their son’s legacy, raising thousands of pounds for the national charity Brain Tumour Research and on Saturday, March 3 they joined model and brain tumour survivor Caprice Bourret, to launch Wear A Hat Day 2018 which takes place on March 29.

Penny said: “We fought as hard as we could for Fin and were sickened to learn that the treatment for brain cancer is antiquated and barbaric, as cruel as the disease itself.

"Along with Fin’s brother and sister Tegan and Kenzie, we are doing the best we can to get on with our lives. We remain committed to doing everything we can to ensure no other family has to go through the nightmare we have endured."

She added: “We are determined to continue Fin’s great work and I hope lots of people will make a difference by taking part in Wear A Hat Day.”

Caprice, who underwent surgery to remove a low-grade brain tumour which was diagnosed a year ago, said: “I’m proud to be working with Penny and Wayne and so many others to support Wear A Hat Day.

"I want everyone to get involved! It’s such a fun event and anyone can take part."

Wear A Hat Day has raised more than a million pounds since it was launched by Brain Tumour Research nine years ago and is the culmination of Brain Tumour Awareness Month in March.

The big day will see schools, workplaces, families and individuals across the UK fundraising and taking part in fun events to raise awareness of brain tumours and help fund life-saving research.

To get involved or donate, visit wearahatday.org.