THE second annual fun day in honour of brave Jay Hitchins – who died of cancer aged just seven – has been hailed a success after the event raised thousands of pounds for charity.

The brave boy, of Malvern, died last year from a form of cancer called neuroblastoma just weeks after the first Jay Day event, which raised £10,000.

This year the event at Malvern Rugby Club raised more than £3,000. This went to the three charities which cared for Jay during his illness – the Ronald McDonald House in Birmingham, which provided accommodation for his family near Birmingham Children’s Hospital; Orchard Service, which provided Jay with nursing, and Fort Royal School, which specialises in teaching autistic children, which Jay also suffered from.

Organiser Russell Petty, a cousin of Jay’s father Wayne, said: “Jay Day was another huge success raising more than £3,000, giving each charity £1,000 each and then the loose change is going to buy some games and DVDs for the children’s ward at the children’s hospital.”

A wacky sports day, featuring Malvern sports coaching firm Zig Zag, encouraged visitors to take part in some impromptu rounds of tug-of-war. There was also a crazy golf fun course which 24-year-old Luke Arnold won.

“The day was all about having fun and raising money for three great causes with the tombolas and kiddies roundabout being very busy all day,” said Mr Petty.

“As for next year, the venue is changing but still to be confirmed and hopefully, we will have lots more stuff for the kids and adults to do.

“I would like to thank Jayne and the staff at Malvern Rugby Club and everybody who helped to make it such a success, especially Claire Almond, Tasha Arnold and Kirsti Smith who helped organise the first event last year – but this year there are just too many people to mention.

“And most importantly Jay’s parents Wayne and Kelly, who are an inspiration to us all – thank you.”