A campaigning mother, who lost her son to brain cancer three years ago, has been chosen to carry the Olympic torch through Enfield.

Figen Rawlinson, 36, started Taylan’s Project in 2009 after her seven-year-old died of an inoperable brain tumour. She has since raised nearly £100,000 to fund research for a cure.

Now Mrs Rawlinson, who attended Winchmore Hill Primary School, has been chosen to carry the Olympic torch through the borough on July 25, two days before the London 2012 opening ceremony.

She said she felt “honoured” to be chosen, especially as one of Taylan’s dreams was to be part of the London Olympics.

She said: “When it was announced that London had been selected to host the 2012 Olympics, Taylan was just three years old.

“He was about six years old when he heard us talking about the Olympics and asked us what they were. His eyes lit up with excitement and he asked if we could go and watch them.

“It was only a few months later that we received the shocking news he had an incurable and inoperable brain tumour. We remained strong and hopeful while he went through treatment, making sure he had as normal a life as possible, but sadly he lost his battle ten months later and passed away in our arms in August 2009.

“Taylan’s loss has left a gaping hole in our family. My husband Andy and I miss Taylan so much and the pain does not lessen. We just learn to deal with it.”

Mrs Rawlinson will carry the torch as it enters the borough in Friern Barnet Road, New Southgate, before travelling through Palmers Green, Winchmore Hill, and Edmonton on its way to Haringey.

The fundraiser moved to Buckinghamshire when she married in 2000, but still frequently returns to the borough to visit her parents in Palmers Green and friends who work in Enfield.

She added: “There is always so much to do and it is difficult to juggle the charity work with being a mother, on top of trying to deal with all my emotions, but I am determined not to rest until better treatments are found.”

To view the route of the torch relay in full, click here, or to find out more about Taylan’s Project, click here.