A MEMORIAL charity gig to honour a 13-year-old boy who died of leukaemia last year raked in more than £3.5K on Saturday.

Some 250 ticket were sold for the event entitled ‘James Forever On Tour’ held at The Marrs Bar, in Pierpoint Street.

The event, in memory of James O’Mara, of Claines, a student at Blessed Edward Oldcorne Catholic College, raised funds for Bloodwise, Birmingham Children’s Hospital and the Children’s Liver Foundation.

It also celebrated James’ 14th birthday (Saturday, January 6) and featured Worcester’s own rock band The Fingers as well as support acts Vintage Inc and Colin Jackson Brown.

James’ brother Charlie, aged nine, helped carry out a raffle of prizes, which included a book by Magician Dynamo.

His mother Becci O’Mara said: “We had an amazing evening raising money in memory of James. “It was fantastic to see so many people there and wonderful that friends and family travelled from Cornwall, Ireland and North Wales to support the event.

“James’s little brother Charlie, did a brilliant job calling out the numbers for the raffle - even though he was embarrassed to stand up on the stage he said he would do so for James.

“We miss James so much but are so proud that he was loved by so many people and that they are willing to give to the charities we are supporting in memory of James.”

His nan June O’Mara said: “I would like to say a massive thank you to everyone who contributed to making James’s Forever On Tour gig such a special event.

“Thank you for everyone that came to the gig and my gorgeous girls who kept strong for each other, but a special thanks to Charlie who helped out with the raffle he’s my star.”

“The Fingers, Vintage Inc and Colin Jackson Brown who all performed amazingly and put on a great show, The Marrs Bar for hosting the event, Tony Mc Donnell for taking all the photos, everyone who donated prizes for the raffle.

“My good friend Dickie Beard came up with the idea so well done for thinking about the idea in the first place, and Bernie McInerney for organising all the tickets.”

The event raised £3769.72, with about £14,000 overall raised in his memory.

James was diagnosed with aggressive form of leukaemia, Acute Myeloid, at Worcestershire Royal on June 1.

He was transferred to Birmingham Children’s Hospital but died on Thursday, June 8 after battling the disease for a week. 

James only started feeling unwell on May 29, and having no pre-existing conditions, his family believed he had caught a common sickness bug.

On Thursday, June 29, a service of remembrance for James saw more than 350 people fill Worcester Crematorium in Tintern Avenue.

James, a keen member of Droitwich Rugby Club, started delivering the Worcester News, shortly before his death.

During his time in hospital, he used 89 units of blood products and as a result his family are urging people to donate blood, platelets and plasma to help other people as well as making a legacy for James.

Following his death, in September, a blood drive was organised to try and replace the blood to help others, but not only did the event meet its target but smashed it, with 135 people signing up to donate.

In July, a charity cricket match, organised by James’ rugby coach Jon Grimshaw, was held at Ombersley Cricket Club, in Old Main Road, Ombersley, near Droitwich, raking in more than £4,000.

To donate, go to james-omara.muchloved.com.