MONEY raised in memory of an eight-year-old boy who died from cancer has been used to improve the lives of hundreds of sick children.

Ben Preston, above left, died last year after losing his fight against a rare and aggressive muscle cancer.

Now his parents, Andy and Alison Preston, have donated a 42-inch television and DVD player to the University Hospital of North Staffordshire to help keep young patients entertained.

The Prestons, who live in Lincoln Avenue, Clayton, hope these gifts will be just the start. They have raised more than £60,000 and plan to use the cash to help make the lives of children being treated at hospitals and hospices as comfortable as possible.

Mr Preston said: "Children and their families spend hours, days, and weeks in these places and you end up realising that there is not a lot to do and you soon get bored.

"The kids go through hell, so we are trying to make their lives just that little bit easier and more interesting."

The new equipment has been added to the Gordon Banks Children's Oncology Daycare Suite at the University Hospital of North Staffordshire.

Mr Preston said: "This TV is just a start, we will have people coming in to turn the play area into a cinema area, so that the kids get a little bit of normality during their stay."

So far Mr and Mrs Preston have organised charity events including hog roasts and music evenings. In addition, Mr Preston and friends climbed the three highest peaks in the UK in less than 24 hours.

All the money raised has gone into the charitable trust Brave Ben's Superstars Fund and will be distributed to all parties who helped with Ben's treatment.

Mr Preston added: "We estimated that 396 people helped in some way to treat Ben, so we are asking people what they need and then we use the money to meet the needs of these superstars.

"This is our way of keeping the memory of Ben alive."

Money will also be used to fund projects at Birmingham Children's Hospital and the Donna Louise Trust's Treetops Hospice.

Julie Eaton, UHNS children's oncology sister, said: "Ben was probably one of the bravest patients I had ever had especially considering all the treatment that he underwent.

"He was just like his dad – he was a determined boy. He would have loved the new television and cinema room.

"The donations will bring a certain amount of normality to the kids lives.

Steve Rushton, UHNS charitable funds manager, said: "Any donation is amazing as we are grateful for every penny.

"But with the money still flooding in, this really is a brilliant addition to the hospital."

Andy and his friends plan to trek the Lake District's 24 highest peaks in 48 hours at some point early next year to raise more, much needed cash.