LITTLE Robert Ashwin's favourite toy when he was dying of leukaemia was an extra special motorised car.

His heartbroken parents watched as their little boy drove the vehicle playfully around Derian House children's hospice, where he spent many of his last days.

Sadly, Robert died earlier this year, aged just seven.

But now his memory lives on as his small pals at his former school, Mayfield in St Annes, have donated another motorised car to the hospice in his memory.

Deputy headmaster Bob Shearman ran the London Marathon in April, dressed as a clown.

Some of his sponsorship cash has gone towards buying the car which will be named Rob One.

Mr Shearman said: "I felt totally powerless about Robert's situation.

"I was happy to make this gesture for children in his position at Derian House hospice.

"We decided to buy the car because it is the sort of thing he used to play with. Now children can enjoy the same facilities."

Robert's dad, Keith Ashwin, said: "I am touched not only by the fact that they raised the money, but the way they did it, with the head teacher entering the marathon.

"More of the money raised after Robert's death was used to pay for a badge-maker - all the children at Derian House now have their own badges!"

Members of Derian House came to St Annes this week when the car was presented to them at the school.

Trevor Briggs, general manager of the charity, said:

"Robert got a lot a pleasure from it and now a lot of other children will be able to get that pleasure, too."

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