THE family of a teenage boy who died is running a 5k assault course in his memory.

Jack Thumwood, of Colchester, was just two-years-old when tests showed he had a brain tumour.

He underwent surgery to remove it but during his recovery he developed other symptoms and was diagnosed with another tumour on his adrenal gland.

Jack needed more surgery and chemotherapy but following successful treatment he was clear of cancer for six years.

Tragically, aged nine, doctors found two more malignant tumours on his brain.

Jack was referred to Little Havens Hospice for respite care.

He remained well until two more tumours returned and further treatment didn’t work.

He spent the last three months of his life being cared for at home, where he died aged 14.

Jack was then taken to the hospice where he stayed for a week in the Woodland Suite, a special bereavement bedroom.

Dad Jim Thumwood, 54, said: “The minute you turn up at Little Havens to look around everyone is so friendly.

“We left the decision to Jack really and he said he’d love to go there. The hospice played a massive part in Jack’s life and ours.

“You just felt Jack was in good hands there. We felt safe.”

He added: “The day Jack died was a Sunday morning, at home.

“We had our time with him and the next time we saw him he was laid out in the bed at Little Havens in the Woodland Suite.

“He had his Manchester United Blanket over him, his clothes on and music playing.

“The day after I was sat having dinner, I’d had about two bites and it just hit me. I had to get up from the table and sit with him.

“It broke my heart. The thought of Jack being in a mortuary drawer in hospital? No, no way.

“At Little Havens, we could still sit and talk to him. It gave us a whole week to say our farewells. I wouldn’t give it up for the world. I really wouldn’t.”

Mr Thumwood is taking on the Havens Hardcore 5k run in Castle Park tomorrow.

He has put together a team of colleagues from the Army Reserve Centre in Colchester to raise money for the hospice in memory of his son.

The event is the first the charity has held in Colchester and will see participants taking on a 5k run with a series of obstacles along the way.

Jim, a Squadron Quartermaster Sergeant at the Army Reserve Centre, will run with five team mates; Ross Gurney, Michelle Hughes, Dave Riley, Leofric Crumpton-Taylor and Tony Ingoe.

Together they will tackle eight foot walls, barb wire crawl nets, monkey bars and balance beams.

Jack’s mum Allison, 50, will also be there on the day, cheering Jim and his team on and handing out medals to everyone who crosses the finish line.

The Havens Hardcore starts at 2pm. Entry is £20 per person with group discounts available.

Online registration is open now at www.havenshospices.org.uk/havenshardcore