The family, teachers and friends of a “happy” boy who made a “lasting impression” on those who knew him have come together to remember him, almost a year after he passed away.
Alfie Butler died on January 2 after a number of procedures and chemotherapy spells failed to stop the growth of a brain tumour.
Although he was just five, his family made “as many memories as possible” and say they are “lucky” their son’s life “ended on a high”.
On Friday, teachers and pupils at Cupernham Infant School came together to host a Superhero Day to honour his memory and raise funds for the charity set up in his name.
His mum Charlotte Swithenbank, 41, said: “Alfie was full of life, such a happy character, with anyone that met him he just left such a lasting impression, he oozed personality.
“Right up until the last couple of weeks he was living life to the full and having the best time. This time last year he was about to be Joseph in the school’s Nativity.”
The days and weeks leading up to the anniversary of his passing will be “very difficult” for his parents and older brother Harry, eight.
This year in general, with restrictions on family gatherings due to the pandemic, has been “hard”.
Charlotte said: “Although we’ve had people around us, to physically not have that contact and people coming round to give us a hug, we’ve really missed that but we accept that’s just how life is at the moment.
“We’re just grateful that Alfie had the freedom to do what he wanted and be around his friends and family. Had it been this year, it would have been quite upsetting for him not to do all the amazing things he did.
“Alfie’s life ended on a real high and we’re lucky for that.”
Since the passing of their child, Charlotte and her partner James have focussed on the launch of a charity in his name.
Alfie’s Wish will send children living with cancer and their family on days out. Food, accommodation and travel expenses will be paid for by the charity. To support the cause, a Superhero Day was hosted at Cupernham Infant School on November 27 – £1,317 was raised.
Headteacher Duncan Wells said: “Not only were we raising money for a such a fantastic charity, it was such a special moment to come together and remember Alfie, an amazing, special little boy who we miss terribly.”
To support the charity visit www.alfieswish.org.uk.
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