A STOKESLEY restaurant family who have raised £35,000 for medical research since their young son died from a brain tumour have supported a Christmas fair at his primary school.

Alan and Catherine Thompson, of Chapters Restaurant and Delicatessen, gave a children's wooden cabin to Kirkby and Great Broughton School in memory of their son, Adam, who died three years ago.

At the school's Christmas fair on Saturday, the cabin was specially decorated and used by Santa Claus. He gave out children's presents with help from Mr and Mrs Thompson's daughter, Anna, who attends the school.

Proceeds from the fair went towards school funds.

Mrs Thompson told the D&S Times: "Just after we lost Adam, we spoke to Prof Andy Pearson at Newcastle General Hospital, who treats children with brain tumours from across the region."

In recent years, Mrs and Mrs Thompson have organised numerous charity events at their restaurant and raised thousands for brain tumour research.

"After presenting Prof Pearson with a £30,000cheque, we received a lovely letter saying he could not believe the donation had come at such an opportune moment.

"He wanted to recruit two scientists to do a project into the type of brain tumour Adam had. Just at that time of the donation, he had managed to get the two scientists but they were struggling to buy a special microscope. It was very important to them and that's what the money was used for. It was of huge benefit to them."

Mrs Thompson said hundreds of types of brain tumour existed, requiring very different treatments. The causes of tumours were not fully understood by experts.

"Prof Pearson was over the moon with the donation. Since then, we've just kept plugging away. We enjoy organising the fundraising events. It's not really hard work, it's good fun."

There was no time limit on their fundraising activities. The couple will soon present Prof Pearson with a further donation of almost £5,000.

"Our staff at the restaurant and delicatessen have kept the businesses going," said Mrs Thompson. "Alan and I have been very fortunate. We've been able to step back from work at times. Our staff have been exceptional, and we really do appreciate them.

"We know many other parents with ill children who have had to give up their jobs and survive on benefits.."

She said some children living in areas such as Cumbria had to travel to the Newcastle hospital regularly, including at night.

A recent fundraising event at Chapters had an Italian theme, in recognition of Adam's love of Italian food and life.

Mrs Thompson recalled: "We once visited Venice for Christmas, which Adam loved. One of the sights there included Santa Claus in a gondola. It was a magical time which stuck in his mind.

"At home, he used to sit in the kitchen with his dad, dressed up in a chef's uniform and eating salami. It's a lovely memory."

She said Adam had a very strong character, as did many children with serious illnesses.

"They have something almost spiritual about them. They get on with things despite their difficulties. Witnessing this tends to put other things in perspective. It's very humbling experience," she added