TRIBUTES have been paid to Robert Haydock, one of the co-founders of Derian House Children's Hospice, who died last Wednesday.

Robert helped launch the Chorley hospice with his son, Ian, in the Eighties. They came up with the idea after the death of Robert's other son, Derek, who suffered from muscular dystrophy. The name, Derian, comes from a combination of his sons' names, Derek and Ian.

Robert, who originated from North Wales, spent all of his childhood in Chorley. He lived in Buckshaw Hall Close, Astley Village -- just 200 yards away from Derian House. His son Ian, 51, of Gillcroft, Eccleston, said he was devoted to the hospice. He said: "His thoughts were forever with Derian House."

He said his father and late mother, Iris, who died of cancer eight years ago, "could not have done more" to help.

Ian said: "My father helped with Derian all along the way and did everything he could. He followed it through right to the very end. He was always a marvellous supporter of Derian House."

Trevor Briggs, general manager of Derian House, said: "Robert and Ian were instrumental in initiating the first appeal for Derian, so really we as a hospice have very much to thank Robert for and that needs to be recognised.

"They recognised a need for a hospice, I think from their isolation at the time.

"I'm very sorry Robert has passed away, but he has left a legacy."

Robert lived long enough to see the birth of his great granddaughter, Carrie Anne, two weeks ago. He died in Chorley Hospital following a long illness.