Hethersett Infant School went hoop-ing mad last week to raise money for a charity extremely close to the school's heart.

Eastern Daily Press: Jane Keely, a teaching assistant at Finnbar's school, ran the power-hooping which raised nearly �1,500. Photo: Nicole KeeleyJane Keely, a teaching assistant at Finnbar's school, ran the power-hooping which raised nearly �1,500. Photo: Nicole Keeley (Image: Archant)

Pupil Finnbar Cork passed away last year, aged only five, after the rapid spread of a brain tumour.

Finnbar's parents, Claire, 35, and Tristan Cork, 36, have set up the charity 'Finnbar's Force'. Inspired by their son's love of Star Wars, the charity is intended to raise awareness and funds for childhood brain tumours.

Finnbar attended Hethersett Woodside Infant School and Nursery. Staff and students turned out to support the event, despite the torrential rain, on June 27.

Jane Keeley, a teaching assistant at the school, and a part-time Zumba and power-hooping instructor, ran the event, which saw more than 50 hoopers gather at the school for the class. The running total of money raised is £1,481, but organisers hope that the final total raised from the colourful extravaganza will be more than £1,500.

Eastern Daily Press: The power-hoopers gathered at Hethersett School, despite the torrential rain, to support the charity. Photo: Nicole KeeleyThe power-hoopers gathered at Hethersett School, despite the torrential rain, to support the charity. Photo: Nicole Keeley (Image: Archant)

Claire and Tristan first noticed their son's dizzy spells, and other symptoms in November 2015, a few months after his 5th birthday. By January 2016 a brain scan revealed a tumour - which was initially believed not to be serious.

However, this didn't prove to be the case, and Finnbar bravely underwent emergency brain surgery as his condition deteriorated. In May 2016 his family were given the 'heartbreaking news that doctors felt that there was nothing that could be done to save our Finn'.

Despite his parents pushing for further treatment, and some initial improvements after beginning radiotherapy, 'on Friday 5th August, Finnbar became very poorly and that evening we cuddled him as he slipped away from us'.

Claire and Tristan said the support they have had has been 'absolutely inspirational', and they are 'determined to see something good happen in Finnbar's name and memory'.

'Finnbar's Force is the light that will shine through the dark times. We hope that we can use his force to make things better for other families, and ultimately bring about an end to the evil of childhood brain tumours.'

Brain tumours are one of the most under researched types of cancer, despite being one of the most deadly.

'Finnbar's Force' is currently in the running to be the Longwater Sainsbury's charity of the year.