LITTLE ones wore blue to help launch a foundation to raise money for cancer charities.

The Tom Bowdidge Foundation was launched on Monday by his parents Nikki and Richard and sister Emma at Heathlands Primary School, in West Bergholt.

Tom died in October aged 19 after battling with a rare stomach cancer.

The foundation’s launch coincided with Tom’s 20th birthday.

Little ones at the school, where Mrs Bowdidge is a teacher, dressed in blue to mark the occasion.

They were also given tubes of Tom’s favourite sweets, Smarties, to eat and re-fill with donations to the foundation.

Mr Bowdidge, 46, said: “It has been a lovely way to launch the foundation.

“Tom was a pupil at Heathlands and we’ve really been blown away by how it has been received.”

Mr Bowdidge’s company, Tyser & Co Insurance Brokers, in London, also held a Wear it Blue Day on Friday.

He added: “We’ve already seen one client tell me they happened they’re holding a dress down day with a blue theme and they’ve pledged the money they’ve raised for the foundation.

“The reaction from people in general has been humbling.”

The foundation’s first step is to raise £5,000, which means it can apply for charity status from the Charity Commission.

To get more information, follow @TBFcharity on Twitter or search Tom Bowdidge Foundation on Facebook.