A FILM maker has recruited the people of Darwen to raise money for a children's hospice after seeing how staff helped his sick grandson.

Two-and-a-half year-old Joseph Reddy, of Hartwood Close, Beardwood, Blackburn, contracted meningitis at just four weeks and has needed 24-hour care in Derian House children's hospice ever since.

Dave Reddy, 56, produced the Movie Story of Darwen (part one), shown at Darwen Library Theatre last September, and part two which attracted 400 people at two showings last week.

And Darwen Rotary Club, the event organisers, made the decision to donate £400 of September's proceeds to the hospice.

Dave, of Beechwood Drive, Feniscowles, Blackburn, said: "It really is a fantastic place and the staff there are excellent.

"Joseph was just perfect when he was born but he was struck down by meningitis at four weeks and now needs 24-hour care. He can't eat for himself and needs tubes everywhere. We thought we were going to lose him last week but fortunately he's still with us."

Dave added: "The staff do a terrific job at Derian House and I was amazed to hear that the Rotary Club decided to donate half of the September money to the hospice. It's a great place and thoroughly deserves the money.

"I'm glad I can do something that the Darwen people really enjoy and do something to help these children as well."

The nine-bedroomed hospice, near Chorley, receives £20,000 from the Government each year but relies on fundraising to fill the gaps. It received a £1million lottery grant last week.

Lisa Cooke, fundraising co-ordinator, said: "It's so generous of them to give us this money and we are so grateful to the Darwen Rotary Club and Dave Reddy.

"It's so important because, without people like this, we simply wouldn't be able to carry on. Fundraising money is vital for us. We need roughly £1.1 million each year and only £20,000 of this is from the Government."

Geoff Tolley, Rotary Club member, said: "We do a lot of work for the hospice and so this fits in with our agenda.

"The night went very well and there's talk of the two parts being held again in September. It's good because the movies raise money for charity and give something back to Darwen."