A GRIEF-stricken family from Thornton has helped raise thousands of pounds for a national leukaemia charity -- after tragically losing their 10-year-old son to the disease earlier this year.

Paul and Sue Collins organised and took part in a mammoth kayaking event around the Fylde last weekend in support of the Ashley Collins Trust Fund for Leukaemia Busters which was set up in memory of their brave son Ashley.

Ashley attended Carleton St Hilder's Primary School in Blackpool with his eight-year-old sister, Laura.

The event included a tiring and challenging journey that began in front of Blackpool Tower and continued up the coast and along the River Ribble, up to Lancaster and the River Lune and finally back across the bay to Fleetwood.

Mrs Collins explained why they had set the event up: "Ashley was a very outdoor type person and enjoyed canoeing, so we thought the kayaking event was appropriate. His eight-year-old brother Craig took part along with Paul.

"Throughout the whole weekend around 30 people participated in the event at some stage. Everyone had a good time and we think we have raised around £3,000 or more for the charity, which is great.

"It has also been a very positive experience for the whole family and has helped us come to terms with our loss in some way. I am pleased that something positive has come out of all the heart-ache and despair."

Organisations who took part included, St Aidan's C of E Technology College in Preesall, Wyre District Scouts, the Outdoor Adventure Group on Whitegate Drive, Blackpool, and guides from around the Fylde.

All of the funds raised during the weekend will go to Leukaemia Busters, a charity who's patron is Gary Lineker and president is David Gower. The charity's aim is to develop cures for all cancers, but particularly Leukaemia.

If you would like to donate to the Ashley Collins Trust Fund for Leukaemia Busters contact Paul Collins via e-mail on Paul.Collins @citex.com.