Charlie Boutwood is a fit and healthy boy who is doing well at school, has plenty of friends and enjoys life to the full.

But in 1993, the 11-year-old faced the toughest battle of his young life when he was diagnosed with a large malignant brain tumour.

He had to undergo a seven-hour operation where surgeons managed to remove about 75 per cent of the tumour.

This was followed by a year of chemotherapy and immediately after that, the youngster had weeks of intensive radiotherapy before finally being given the all-clear.

Charlie's amazing fight back to health inspired his parents Nigel and Nettie to set up a charity - Charlie's Challenge - in his name.

The group works to raise money to fund vital brain tumour research and since its launch in 1993, has raised more than £300,000.

Problems began for the family from Horam, near Heathfield, when Charlie was 20 months old.

Up until then he had been a cheerful toddler, always running around and getting into mischief.

But then he started to behave strangely, becoming sick and dizzy and falling over.

He was taken to his doctor who referred him to a specialist at Eastbourne District General Hospital where he was eventually given a CAT scan.

The results showed an enormous tumour called a medullablastoma and Charlie was immediately rushed to a specialist London hospital.

Mr Boutwood, 51, said: "It was a very difficult time. We were told by surgeons that Charlie might not make it and if he did, there was a strong chance he might not be able to speak, see or move properly."

Charlie is now getting on with his life and putting his experiences well behind him but the charity set up in his name a decade ago this year continues to go from strength to strength.

Mr Boutwood said: "Shortly after Charlie's recovery I had found out there was very little research being carried out into the various types of brain tumours, which I thought was incredible.

"We had been so lucky with Charlie and we wanted to help raise money for more research into the treatment of the condition to try to help create other success stories.

"Many people and organisations in the area know about us and the work we do and like to do what they can to help. We always appreciate their support and are very grateful."

Fund-raising events have included go-karting, tennis and golf tournaments, head shaves, sponsored walks, a bike ride through France every two years and a giant gala ball.

The charity uses a panel of scientific and medical experts to help it decide which research it is going to support.

At the moment the charity supports two projects worth more than £120,000 each and is hoping to soon have enough money to back a third.

The number of cases of brain tumours has increased by 45 per cent during the past 30 years.

Tumours account for a quarter of all childhood cancers and is second only to leukaemia, which accounts for 30 per cent.

Mr Boutwood said: "We started this because we were inspired by Charlie and what he managed to achieve but now our focus is fixed firmly on the future and what we can do to help other children."

For more details about the charity or to make a donation, call 01323 640212 or write to: Charlie's Challenge, Chiddingwood, Horam, Heathfield TN21 0JN.