ON THE day that five-year-old Charlie Williams was diagnosed with a brain tumour he was due to be playing his first football match for Boxford Rovers.His proud parents should have been standing on the sidelines cheering their son on, but were instead standing beside a hospital bed waiting to find out if he had cancer.

ON THE day that five-year-old Charlie Williams was diagnosed with a brain tumour he was due to be playing his first football match for Boxford Rovers.

His proud parents should have been standing on the sidelines cheering their son on, but were instead standing beside a hospital bed waiting to find out if he had cancer.

In just a few weeks the entire family's lives have been turned upside down but today brave Charlie is as cheerful and chirpy as ever, despite starting an extensive course of radiotherapy.

When doctors explained what his treatment would involve his response was simply "sounds good to me."

And, determined to make something good come from the situation, his family have rallied round to organise a series of events in aid of Addenbrooke's ward C2 and Cancer Research.

Charlie's problems started earlier this year when he began suffering from headaches and sickness. Doctors put it down to a virus and told his parents Beverly and Adrian not to worry.

But on Saturday April 30 he woke up in the early hours of the morning with pain so severe they decided to take him straight to A&E.

Scans revealed a large tumour at the back of his head and he was taken straight to Addenbrooke's where he underwent surgery to remove it.

Mrs Williams, 46, of Boxford, said: "It was a huge shock at first but we are sort of getting used to the idea now.

"He's actually quite well in himself at the moment but I think that will change when he gets a bit further in to the treatment."

Charlie's tumour was diagnosed as metastatic medulloblastoma – the most common kind of brain tumour in children.

It has now spread to the front of his head and the base of his spine and he has begun six weeks of radiotherapy.

When this is finished he will need to undergo chemotherapy, meaning long periods of time in hospital.

Charlie's sisters Lisa and Sophie both work at Church's bar and bistro in Tower Churchyard, Ipswich town centre and are organising a series of events there this week.

Lisa, 26, of Coronation Road, Ipswich, said: "He has been amazing. He doesn't really ask any questions. He just copes with it bit by bit and gets on with it.

"We just wanted to raise the money to say a big thank-you because everyone at the hospital has been so brilliant.

"They will do anything for him and they've really helped to make us all feel at ease. They even made a cake for my mum on her birthday and a sausage-shaped one for Charlie, because all he eats is sausages!"

Mrs Williams said: "It's been a very difficult time but they have done everything they can to make it like a home from home and we are so grateful."

Mr Williams' brother James and sister Emma have already raised £3,000 through a special evening at the Boxford Fleece and it is hoped the events at Church's will take this total much higher.

From Monday June 20 all staff at Church's will be donating their tips to Cancer Research and Addenbrooke's.

There will also be a guess the name of the bear competition running and 50p from every meal sold will go to Cancer Research.

On Thursday there will be a funky house night. Entry is £1 and will go to Cancer Research. 50p from every drink sold will go to Addenbrooke's ward C2.

On Friday there will be a Virgin Vie cosmetics evening and raffle, and on Sunday afternoon there will be a barbecue and live music.

For more information ring Church's on 01473 219138