THE PREGNANT widow of a 'gentle giant' who helped children with disabilities says she knows he will watch over their new baby.

Veronica Archer, was speaking yesterday as she attended a cheque presentation in memory of her husband...just days before she is due to give birth to their fifth child on October 15.

Chris, 42, died on August 16 after suffering a heart attack but Veronica says he lives on in their four sons -- Jason, 12, Wayne, nine, Nathan, seven and Jordan, four.

Veronica, of Monmouth Road, Blackburn, said: "I can see him in all of them, especially Jason. If this baby is a boy it will be a miniature Chris and like seeing him all over again.

"I know it is going to be hard but everyone at the hospital knows the situation and we have had extra help from the doctors and antenatal people. I have had scans but they don't know yet what sex it is or even if there are two.

"I'm not bothered if it's a boy or girl. If it's a boy I will name him Christopher, and Natalie if it's a girl because that is the name he had chosen."

More than 200 people attended Chris' funeral at St James Church, Blackburn, last month. His ashes were scattered at Pleasington Crematorium where Veronica hopes to plant a tree for their children to visit.

Staff at Intack Primary School, Whitebirk Road, where the Archer children attend, organised a collection which raised £200.

The money has been split between Blackburn-based Group Learning Activities for the Disabled (GLAD) and the Blackburn Branch of disability association PHAB.

Chris, who was a joiner and builder until he lost some mobility after a stroke four years ago, was involved with both organisations, which focus on children with physical and mental disabilities. He gave children lifts to the group, looked after them during play sessions and carried out many odd jobs.

Tracy O'Connor, leader of PHAB, said: "He was like a gentle giant. He was good hearted and would do anything for anyone."

Wendy Howarth, secretary of GLAD, said: "He was a special caring man who would give his last penny if someone was struggling.

"The children still ask where he is. Because of the difficulties they suffer they easily forget and say where has that big man with the red hair gone? He is sadly missed and will never be forgotten."