THE family and friends of a little boy who died after battling with a genetic disorder are taking part in a sponsored walk in his memory.

Micky Welch, 13, underwent years of exhausting hospital treatment for a malignant tumour on his face caused by Neurofibromatosis, before dying last year following complications.

More than 100 people are expected to take part in a walk on Saturday, April 25, close to the anniversary of his death, to raise money for his former school, Whittingham Community Primary School, and Haven House where he received care before he died.

The teenager’s mum, Jackie Welch, 49, of Blackhorse Lane, Walthamstow, hopes that lots of money will be raised in memory of her “cheeky” little boy, who benefited from both the organisations.

His sister Kate, 29, said: “It is hard for the family at this time of year so close to Micky’s birthday and his passing.

"But we want to make this a big event in his memory and to raise as much money as possible.”

Micky was diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis after birth, making him prone to malignant tumours and birth marks.

He was born with a tumour on his face which doctors could not remove because of the close proximity to his brain.

Doctors told his mum and plasterer dad, Bob, 56, that their son would have to live with the tumour and predicted he would probably, “never walk or talk”, but he defied doctors by becoming an able boy and popular at school.

THE walk is on Saturday, April 25 at noon, leaving Whittingham Community Primary School in Higham Hill Road, Walthamstow, and walking three-and-a-half miles to Haven House Children’s Hospice in Woodford Green.

All people taking part must be over 16 and need to register.

Cost of registration is £10, and all walkers will get a t-shirt, route map, bottle of water and sponsorship form.

To register, or to make a donation, please contact Kate Welch on 07852 496989 or Whittingham school secretary Pam Thomas on 8523 3228.