JACK WALKER has left a legacy of hope for hundreds of young cancer sufferers after losing his own battle against the disease.

It was revealed today that the multi-millionaire former steel magnate and Blackburn Rovers benefactor made a series of cash donations to a charity dedicated to helping people under 21 fight cancer, leukaemia or Hodgkin's Disease.

And his family are keen for the help to continue, asking friends and well wishers who want to show a mark of respect to make further donations to the organisation in Jack's memory.

Sargent Cancer Care for Children is dedicated to helping the 1,900 young people in the UK who are diagnosed with cancer, leukaemia or Hodgkin's Disease each year.

Diane Yeo, the charity's chief executive, said Mr Walker had made donations to the charity and had been involved in fundraising.

She said: "It is wonderful news that Mr Walker's family have made this gesture. He had been involved with us on a fundraising level over the years and he was a very generous man. "I think because he had worked his own way up in life he was very appreciative of other people who are disadvantaged. The fact that his family have decided to do this means that we will be able to help a lot more children with cancer, which is wonderful.

Sargent's, which was founded in 1968, helps the youngsters and their families in practical and beneficial ways.

The charity funds a highly skilled network of social workers in all the major UK cancer centres who offer counselling, financial help and practical care to the children and their families from the moment of diagnosis.

Sargent Cancer Care for Children receives no government aid and depends entirely on donations from the public and private fund-raising efforts.

Donations in memory of Jack Walker can be sent to Sargent Cancer Care for Children, 161 Hammersmith Road, London, W8 8SG.

Meanwhile Mr Walker's family have decided to make his funeral in Jersey open to the public.

The service will be held at St Brelade's Church, near St Helier, on Wednesday, at 11.45am. A memorial service is expected to take place in Blackburn at a later date.