THE legacy of a 13-year-old boy who died of leukaemia has been honoured by Birmingham Children's Hospital after his family raised almost £6K for the charity.

James O' Mara, of Claines, is being remembered at the Birmingham hospital in a mural of red balloons and his family were also presented with plaque at the 100 Heroes ceremony on Saturday, May 19.

James was diagnosed with aggressive form of leukaemia, Acute Myeloid, at Worcestershire Royal on June 1 last year.

He was transferred to Birmingham Children’s Hospital but died on Thursday, June 8 after battling the disease for a week.

His mother Becci said: "It was so wonderful to have our fundraising efforts recognised by Birmingham Children’s Hospital and to be named as one of their hundred heroes at their annual event.

"I was presented with an award which has taken pride of pace next to James’s photo and we also have red balloon in James’s name on display for one year in the entrance to the Hospital."

Following his death, the family began raising funds for Bloodwise, Birmingham Children’s Hospital and the Children’s Liver Disease Foundation, raking in almost £15K for the charities collectively.

Becci added: "Since James died nearly a year ago we have campaigned to promote the need for blood and platelet donors and have also raised money for three charities including Birmingham Children’s Hospital where James received the best medical care and compassion anyone could ask for. They worked tirelessly for a week to save him and we are so grateful for their efforts I looking after James and caring for him and us after he died."

Miranda Williams, public fundraising manager at Birmingham Children’s Hospital charity, said: "We had a wonderful day on Saturday at our annual ‘100 Heroes’ event and we were delighted to welcome the O’Mara family to the celebrations as one of our top 100 fundraisers of the past year.

"The family have truly gone above and beyond for our charity in memory of their son, James, who sadly passed away last year after battling leukaemia. As well as setting up a MuchLoved page for family and friends to leave donations, the family also organised a cricket match in James’ memory and encouraged those who knew him to become blood donors and raise awareness. In total, the family have raised a fantastic £5,878 so far."

"We’re incredibly grateful to Rebecca and her family for their generosity and support for our charity, and we’d like to say a huge thank you to the whole family and all of their friends who got involved in fundraising. What a wonderful legacy to their son."

The 100 Heroes event takes place every year and is a chance to recognise the supporters of the Birmingham Children's Hospital charity.

On Saturday, the 100 people in the room collectively raised £1.8million for the hospital.