THOUGHTFUL pupils from a Black Country school raised more than £350 in a fundraising event for brave Halesowen cancer sufferer Tom Blakemore.

Year eight and 10 students from Pedmore Technology College and Community School collected funds for a month before the grand design event in which they had 10 minutes to create a pattern made entirely of coins.

Ten-year-old Tom, who has a rare an inoperable tumour behind his face, picked a sunny design created by a year 10 form, highlighting his strength and courage, as the winner.

The event was organised by friends and Tom’s older brothers Callum, aged 14, and Jack, aged 12, who both attend the school.

Their overwhelmed mum Jayne, of Hillcrest Avenue, said: ““It is wonderful that his brothers and their friends have been able to do something for Tom and the support we have had off everyone is so encouraging.

“To see all the children show so much kindness is touching and we would like to thank everyone who has been involved in the fundraising.”

Assistant principal, Larry Turner, added: “This event was all down to the children, the teachers took a back seat and the pupils have really shown what they are capable of, I am so impressed with them.”

Tom recently returned from an eight-week course of pioneering treatment at the Institute of Proton Therapy in the USA.

He is now due for scan in August to determine the success of the treatment, which is not available in this country.