THE parents of a Cleobury Mortimer boy who died last summer have raised £5,000 in memory of the son they describe as their "inspiration".

Stephen Salt Barlow, who had dystonic cerebral palsy, died, aged 15, at Birmingham Children's Hospital in July after he was suddenly taken ill at home.

His parents, Mandy and Steve, who live in Neen Savage, with Stephen's two brothers, six-year-old Nathan and three-year-old Rowan, set up a memorial fund in his name.

Mrs Salt Barlow said he had an enjoyable and active life, adding: "He was a beautiful soul, whose cheerfulness, courage and gentle character touched many people. He was a shining example of all that is good in life."

Stephen's father, Steve, who is a specialist nursery nurse, added: "He is our inspiration and always will be."

The £5,000 will help to refurbish the parents room in the intensive care unit at the hospital, which helped Stephen in the last week of his life.

Some of the money was raised at a dinner held at Dominique's Restaurant in Shatterford, near Kidderminster on December 12.

Dominique Saley, the owner, with the help of his staff and sponsors, served 85 diners and all the proceeds - £2,500 - were donated to the fund.

Contributions have also been made by family members and friends, including Mrs Salt Barlow's brother, Mathew Alexander, who did a sponsored 10km run, raising £1,000.

Her cousin, Tracy Southall, climbed the Three Peaks and raised £120.

Stephen's fund will be used to help other good causes and a Bike Canoe Hike event from Barmouth to Cleobury Mortimer is planned for April. Money raised will go to help the hospital and will also be used to buy a generator for an orphanage in Tanzania.