A COUPLE who have continued to raise funds and support other families while grieving for their seven-year-old son have been nominated for a Community Pride Award.

John and Vicky Inglis lost their son Jamie in January after he twice battled the aggressive childhood cancer, neuroblastoma.

Jamie’s brave fight against the cancer – which he dealt with courageously, smiling throughout – touched the hearts of people around the world and inspired thousands in York to raise or donate moneyfor his treatment, which took place in the US and then Germany.

His parents fought for the Lord Deramore’s School pupil to undergo the potentially life-saving treatment which was unavailable on the NHS, fundraised on behalf of other families with neuroblastoma and wrote moving blogs about their experiences. They have now been nominated in the Parent of the Year and Charity Fundraiser of the Year categories.

Nikki O’Sullivan, of Neuroblastoma Children’s Cancer Alliance UK, said: “They have been through so very much the past few years, fighting their son’s cancer twice and never giving up on him.

“They were separated from their very young daughter Poppy for many months including Christmas and her birthday.

“Despite this, they continue to help others and deserve to be recognised for their efforts as they continue to raise funds and awareness of neuroblastoma, a very aggressive childhood cancer, whilst grieving for their young son.

“Jamie really did inspire thousands of people and brought communities together, with his beautiful cheeky smile and his unstinting bravery in the face of this brutally aggressive cancer.

“Jamie’s cheerful, happy spirit and his strong character were captured in their inspiring blogs written by his parents and followed by thousands; bringing tears to his followers on his Facebook page.

“Even as Jamie’s health deteriorated, his parents, John and Vicky, continued their fight in raising awareness of this horrendous cancer by asking everyone to continue fundraising for Jamie and other children like him; a totally selfless act, as they knew he didn’t have long left.

“They are determined in helping other families.”

The charity said that within days of Jamie’s death, his parents asked for the continued fundraising in Jamie’s memory and pledged their continued fight against neuroblastoma. Vicky said: “Jamie’s legacy is too big and too important for us to say that it’s over.

“We have lost our son, but it will help us to cope by seeing our terrible loss as the beginning of something new.

“Neuroblastoma is not a death certificate because some children do get through it.

“That’s why you, and we, can’t give up on it.”

John said after learning they had been nominated: “We are really humbled.

“There are still people fundraising and if we can get people to continue, even though Jamie isn’t here, the generating of awareness and helping other kids makes us feel there’s a purpose to his little life.

“As far as we are concerned we did what any parent would do, we did the best we could for Jamie.”

The Community Pride Awards are being held in October in partnership with City of York Council.