THE mum of a 15-year-old Leominster boy who lost his battle to cancer this year said he would be very proud of his school's fundraising efforts.

David Demeter died aged 15 in July from leukaemia- almost six years after he was first diagnosed.

In his memory, staff and pupils at his former school, Earl Mortimer College in Leominster, raised £1356.32 for the Teenage Cancer Trust [TCT] in the week before half term.

It ended in a day of fundraising where pupils wore non-uniform and a lunch time quiz was held, where teachers beat pupils 17-9..

Mum Timi, 39, who attended the day with dad, Laszlo, 47, said: "It is so emotional and upsetting. I look at his classmates and see how tall they are and we would like to see him here too.

"I am sure he is very proud somewhere. I am sure he can see all these things because that is why we do it- for him.

"He wanted to raise money for the TCT."

The charity aims to improve teenage cancer patients' quality of life and chances of survival.

David liked using its ward at Birmingham Children's Hospital, where Timi said it was more like a hotel than a hospital ward.

David had started raising money for the charity and wanted this to continue.

He was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2008, aged ten, and after a successful course of chemotherapy, he was in remission.

Sadly in September last year a check-up showed the cancer had returned.

He underwent a bone marrow transplant in March, which although went well, the family later learnt the devastating news he did not have long to live.

His 17-year-old sister, Petra, who goes to the college, sold TCT wristbands throughout the week and also held cake sales, with the help of friends, Ellie Farmer and Zoe Castle.

The charity gave presentations and held workshops.

David's friends Tristan Howells and Troy Bradley ran to Ludlow and back, which is the equivalent of a marathon and raised £97.

Tristan said: "It was painful. It was really hard but I am glad we did it."

Fundraising will continue after half term.

Teacher Paul Bescoby said there has been an overwhelming response from students.

He added: "The atmosphere in college has been amazing. It has all been student driven.

"It has been so positive. David was the bravest boy I ever knew."