Tomlinson honour accepted by son

Prince Charles told Steven his mother deserved the medal

The 10-year-old son of late charity fundraiser Jane Tomlinson has collected his mother's CBE at Buckingham Palace.

Steven Tomlinson attended the ceremony to honour his mother, who died in September, aged 43, after a seven-year battle with terminal cancer.

Mother-of-three Mrs Tomlinson raised more than £1.75m for charity.

Steven, dressed in a suit and tie, received the accolade from the Prince of Wales, watched by hundreds of guests, including father Mike.

Prince Charles bent down to talk to the youngster as he handed over the medal.

Steven then moved back, bowing his head according to protocol, before being met by the Queen's piper, who reunited him with his father.

Memories of mother

Mrs Tomlinson died in September aged 43 after a seven-year battle with terminal cancer.

She raised more than £1.75m for charity in a series of gruelling events and organised a 10k race held in Leeds in June 2007, called Run for All.

Although Mrs Tomlinson was too ill to take part, she started the event and watched her mother run alongside thousands of others.

Speaking after the ceremony on Thursday, Steven Tomlinson said: "It went fine. The Prince said he was really sorry that my mum died and that she really did deserve the medal.

"It was a little bit difficult.

"I was thinking about my mum at the Leeds 10K run when her mum crossed the finishing line.

"My mum went up to see my grandma. She was happy."

Mr Tomlinson told his son after the ceremony: "Your mum would have been proud of you. It was a big day."

He said earlier his wife had been reluctant to accept the honour, but said she wanted Steven to go to the Palace.

He said: "Jane didn't think she deserved it because she had already received an MBE."