A young boy, described as "kind and gentle," who succumbed to a brain tumour, continues to inspire fundraising efforts for children facing similar challenges.

Riley Roberts of Shepton Mallet was only six when he passed away from a rare brain tumour in November 2012. Diagnosed at five, the prognosis was grim, with medical professionals doubting he would see his sixth birthday.

Riley's mother, Tuesday, first noticed something was amiss when he became unsteady on his feet over Christmas in 2011. "I took him to the doctors expecting them to tell me he had an inner ear infection," she recounted. But a swift referral to Yeovil Hospital revealed a stark reality. "They told me that there was nothing they could do for him and he would be unlikely to make his sixth birthday. It all came as a huge, huge horrible shock."

The family was introduced to Children's Hospice South West's Charlton Farm, which became a sanctuary for them. "Initially I didn't want to go," said Tuesday. "He was my son, my baby, and I wanted to care for him myself."

However, the hospice proved invaluable, offering support not just for Riley, but for his entire family, including his younger sister Tallulah and, later, Eliza, who was born after Riley's death.

Riley died at the hospice in November 2012, a deeply loved boy who cherished his family.

"Riley was the kindest little boy ever," his mother shared. "He was soft and gentle and so full of love."

After Riley's death the family set up Team Riley to fundraise in his memory. Over the years they have raised nearly £30,000 for CHSW from fashion catwalks, puppet shows, cake sales and other events – all supported by their family and friends. The family has also taken part in the charity's annual Santas on The Run.

This summer will see their family friend Paul Hardwick - who was the couple's best man at their wedding – take part in the charity's Ride for Precious Lives.

The fundraiser will see cyclists ride 200 miles from Bristol to Cornwall from 12 – 14 July, visiting the charity's three hospices on route.

Paul, 41, from Evercreech is hoping to raise £2,000 for the charity.

"I visited Riley a couple of times at the hospice," said Paul. "Seeing the support the charity offered the family I wanted to give something back and do something in Riley's memory.

"Riley left a lasting impression on all of our lives. He was a very special little boy. "He will be in my thoughts during every mile I cycle."

CHSW Area Fundraiser Kylie Gallagher said: "Thank you so much to Tuesday, Paul and their family and friends for their continued support of the vital work we do to raise awareness and money for local children and their families going through the most difficult of times. "Tuesday has helped us in all sorts of ways over the years, fundraising and encouraging others to, volunteering her time and speaking about her story to name a few. "A massive good luck to Paul who I will be supporting along the whole of his fundraising challenge too." Anyone wanting to make a donation can visit Paul's fundraising page here.