OSCAR’s Paediatric Brain Tumour Charity ten year ball

OSCAR’s Paediatric Brain Tumour Charity was set up by Marie and Ian Hughes, in memory of their nine-year-old son Oscar Hughes, from Dunnington, who died in 2014.

In 2020, Ian also died of a brain tumour and a few days after Ian’s funeral his son, four-year-old Milo, was diagnosed with the same disease and died a year later.

Oscar Hughes (Image: Supplied) OSCAR’s works to fund research into Paediatric Brain Tumours in children and young people.

On Friday, November 22, the charity held a ball at The Milner Hotel (formerly The Principal York) to mark the milestone.

It was organised by Oscar’s mum Marie and brother Sebastian.

Marie and Sebastian welcome the guests to the ball (Image: Andy Hopkinson/Feel Not See Photography) “These past 10 years have been unbelievably difficult for me, Lucas [Sebastian’s 15-year-old brother] and my mum,” Sebastian said. “But having the charity there, knowing we can help other young children who are diagnosed with brain tumours, has helped a lot.”

The ball raised £45,200, meaning the amount of money the charity has raised to help others is now more than £1 million.

Phil Martinez and Cain North speak to guests (Image: Andy Hopkinson/Feel Not See Photography) Phil Martinez, charity manager and Oscar’s former teacher, said “although the charity’s origin is a sad one, the event was a joyous one”.

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Guests were entertained by compere Chris Marsden, who hosts the Home Run on YO1 Radio, and other acts, including band The WhamBams and pop violinist Holly May.

Chris Marsden, who hosts the Home Run on YO1 Radio, at the ball (Image: Andy Hopkinson/Feel Not See Photography) Harrogate-based singer Sarah Collins, who duetted with country singer LeAnn Rimes on the BBC’s Michael McIntyre’s Big Show earlier this year, talked of her own diagnosis and recovery from life-saving brain tumour surgery in 2012 before wowing everyone with her vocals to kick off the night.

'The charity brings hope'

Phil said the night finished with a “poignant mother and son dance for Marie and Seb to the very-fitting tune of 'Lean on Me', surrounded by family, friends and fundraisers”.

He thanked those that have supported the charity over the past decade.

Sarah Collins singing at the ball (Image: Andy Hopkinson/Feel Not See Photography) “The problem does not go away – 40 more children will be newly-diagnosed between today and Christmas – but we can be that light in the darkness for so many of them thanks to our supporters,” he said.

“That’s why people who fundraise for OSCAR’s do so with such positivity: because the charity brings hope, that glitter amongst the grey.

“And that’s all we are here for really, isn’t it? Making sure we keep children smiling, especially those who need us the most – all in the memory of one beautiful little boy called Oscar.”

• To learn more about OSCAR’s and its 2025 events, visit oscarspbtc.org
• Any businesses interested in becoming charity partners, or people wanting to get involved in some way, are asked to email phil@oscarspbtc.org