THE mother of a boy who died from a brain tumour is to host a charity picnic in memory of her son.
Brennan Stevens, 7, died in 2013, just seven months after he was diagnosed with a grade four brain tumour.
His mum Julie Stevens from Rustington, plans to host a teddy bears picnic to raise money for Chestnut Tree House Children’s Hospice and thank them for the care they provided to Brennan in his final months.
Julia said: “Seeing the struggles faced by Chestnut Tree House during the pandemic was really unsettling.
“With charity shops having to close and all planned fundraising events put on hold we really wanted to raise as much money as possible to help.”
The children’s hospice is urging families, schools, and nurseries to grab their favourite teddy bear and hold their very own picnics again this year to raise much needed funds for local children, like Brennan.
Julie said she first noticed that something was wrong when Brennan started to act out of character.
She said: “Brennan was always so happy; he was a cheeky boy with a great sense of humour. He always lit up a room with his smile.
“Brennan suddenly became very anxious and tearful at school, developed an unsteady gait and a head tilt.
“Then came the crippling morning headaches and vomiting.”
After several visits to their local GP and A&E, Julie booked an emergency opticians appointment for Brennan.
The tests showed that Brennan had swollen optic nerves and we were referred straight away to the eye clinic at the hospital.
An MRI scan revealed that he had a large tumour on his brain stem and he was given just three months to live.
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Brennan’s family were supported by Chestnut Tree House children’s hospice.
Julie said: “Chestnut Tree House became our safety blanket, and they were there for us in so many ways.
“With their help we made lots of happy memories.
“Throughout everything Brennan never stopped smiling, he was the most caring and loving little boy.
“He was taken from us way too soon; he’s forever loved and missed.”
Anyone can take part in Teddy Bears Picnic, and it’s free to sign up.
To find out how your family, school, or nursey can get involved, visit www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk/teddybearspicnic
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