A BIG-HEARTED boy, whose treasured mum died from cancer last year, has sacrificed his pocket money for months to help needy children.

Lewis Halsall, aged ten, vowed to fill a giant whisky bottle with his pennies and tuppences five months ago following an emotional visit to Chorley's Derian House. He said: "I met a two-year-old girl there and she had a nice room but it needed more decorations and toys so I started saving up my money."

Before too long Lewis, from Glencroft, Euxton, had enlisted the help of relatives and friends. Grandma Evelyn spread the word at Ravensthorpe sheltered accommodation, Merefield, Astley Village where she lives, and residents donated their bingo winnings to the good cause. Then friends from Fosterfield day centre, Eaves Lane started chipping in.

Lewis' dad said: "It was all Lewis' idea. He was quite touched by Derian House and he said he wanted to help kids who were worse off than him, even though he himself is underprivileged in a way because he recently lost his mother."

Mum Susan was only 39 years old when she died of cancer last July leaving behind Martin, Lewis and five-year-old Jessica.

Martin continued: "Lewis still gets tearful at night about his mum and Christmas was a tough time for us all. We're all extremely proud of what he's done."

Now his five-year-old sister Jessica is planning to raise money for the

Citizen's appeal to equip a day care ward at the new Lancashire and Lakeland Cancer Unit in Preston.

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