IT TAKES a lot for most children to keep quiet.

But eight-year-old Archie Kill had a special reason to keep his lips sealed.

With the help of his friends at Berrywood School, Archie staged a sponsored silence to support his mum who is currently battling breast cancer.

The youngster used the stunt to raise vital funds for The Wessex Haven, a dedicated centre for people undergoing breast cancer treatment where his mum, Sally, is currently receiving chemotherapy.

Archie and 90 fellow year four pupils at the Hedge End school took part in the 15-minute sponsored silence.

The total raised has yet to be counted, but it is expected to surpass the one thousand pound mark.

Mum-of-two Sally said: “I am so proud of Archie. The way he has dealt with my diagnosis has been unbelievable.

“The children were so quiet and we couldn’t believe how seriously they took it.

“The day was quite an emotional experience, but it was absolutely fantastic.”

During the silence, the children made cards that will be given to visitors of The Haven in Titchfield.

Heidi Rehman, community fundraiser for the organisation, said: “We think it is wonderful how Archie wants to get involved to help other people who are going through the same thing as his mum.

“The silence was really quite special and emotions were running high when it finished.

“We are so reliant on local support to raise awareness and funds for The Wessex Haven and we are so grateful to Archie, his family and the staff and pupils of Berrywood Primary School for helping us ensure no one faces breast cancer alone.”

Ms Rehman added the school had supported Archie to organise the event, and that special praise should be given to his teacher Lisa Ainsworth.

The Haven opened its doors last year and provides a wide range of free therapies which help people deal with the physical and emotional side effects of breast cancer.

Specialist nurses and experts in nutrition, exercise and emotional support provide tailor-made one to one programmes for each visitor.

If you would like to donate, visit www.crowdfunding.justgiving.com/sally-kill.