LITTLE Charlie Harris-Beard “brought the sun out” for hundreds of revellers who packed into a Stourport pub in his memory. The Grease-themed Charliemania family fund-raiser at the Old Beams pub was hailed a huge success by organisers, who were touched by the large turnout.

About 500 people attended the special event last Saturday to remember the two-year-old, who lost his brave leukaemia battle in February.

More than £1,000 was raised on the day for Cords4Life, set up by Charlie’s parents Joe Beard and Fiona Harris-Beard to raise awareness of umbilical cord donations.

A successful bone marrow transplant using an umbilical cord from an American baby saved the youngster’s life in 2011.

Iain Partridge, who helped organise the event, said: “It was an absolutely brilliant day. The sun came out and everyone on Facebook said little Charlie brought the sun out for us all day to make it even better.

“Joe and Fiona thoroughly enjoyed it and were very taken aback with what we had organised.”

Pub-goers were entertained by five bands on the day and there was also a barbecue, raffles and a party bus for youngsters. Cupcake Dreams, of Stourport, also sold special treats for the cause and specially designed Charliemania T-shirts proved popular on the day, raising £300.

The event was initially organised before Christmas to celebrate that Charlie was still alive having been given just weeks to live in November.

“It was going to be an event to celebrate that Charlie was beating all the odds but as it turned out it was a family fun day in memory of him,” said Mr Partridge, whose wife Wendy is Joe Beard’s cousin.

“When Charlie was diagnosed, three members of his family gave birth but noone knew about umbilical cord donations. I don’t think Charlie will ever be forgotten. We are considering doing an event on an annual basis.”

A raffle by Stourport Training Centre raised £277 in memory of Charlie.