A CHARITY which provides happy experiences for children with tumours has been chosen as a council chairman’s main fundraising cause for the year.

Carole Weston, the new chairman of Rochford District Council, has announced she will support the Indee Rose Trust as one of her chosen charities.

Each year, the council chairman nominates several charities to promote and raise money for.

The trust provides treasure boxes of toys and gifts for children who have been hospitalised whilst receiving treatment for a brain or spinal tumour.

The charity was established by the parents of Canvey youngster Indee Rose Dopson, who died from a brain tumour in June 2009, aged three.

It also provides one-off grants and holiday accommodation for family breaks when children have completed their treatment.

Their aim is to “bring joy and happiness to the child, and create lasting memories for everyone”.

Mrs Weston said: “My year of office has provided me with the opportunity of leaving a legacy. I very much wish this to be of benefit to a local charity.

“I have been greatly impressed by the work of the Indee Rose Trust and hope that the money I raise during my term as chairman will help to continue their good work.”

Jane Allen, Indee Rose’s mum and founder of the trust, added: “We really would like to thank Mrs Weston for choosing the Indee Rose Trust as her chosen charity.

“Our charity creates the biggest smiles and happy memories for brave children throughout the UK who have been diagnosed with brain and spinal tumours. To date we have sent over 450 bespoke treasure boxes to children aged nought to 16 and we receive up to three new referrals each week from hospitals, hospices and via the internet.

“Each treasure box can cost up to £500 depending on the child’s wish list. We also provide family breaks for families at one of our seaside retreats.

“Our inspiration is Indee Rose who sadly passed away just five short months from being diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour.

“Childhood brain tumours are often known as the forgotten cancer. Research is very underfunded, yet it is one of the number one cancers in children. We have no cure but we can create the biggest smiles for the amazing children we hear about.

“Once again thank you so much it really is appreciated. Every penny raised will make a big difference to The Indee Rose Trust.”

To learn more about the charity, visit indeerosetrust.org.