DESPITE his own personal heartache Oldham dad Paul Jackson was determined to help Dr Kershaw's Hospice after their van was stolen and later recovered damaged last month.

Paul currently lives in Manchester Children's Hospital with his two-year-old son, Matthew, and mum, Sarah, while the youngster fights acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

But when he heard what had happened to the hospice's vital delivery vehicle he wanted to do everything he could to help and pledged to cover the cost of repairs.

Patient care is very close to Paul's heart and he says he was particularly touched by the hospice's plight

After learning other generous donors had managed to fund the repairs, he decided to donate £800 towards the planned new larger wing at Turf Lane which will replace the current 12-bed in-patient unit next year.

Paul’s kind-hearted gesture is now going towards the £2.1m 10-month building project that will transform the hospice in its 30th anniversary year with the creation of en suite rooms with garden views.

And, as one kind turn deserves another, Dr Kershaw’s sent Matthew a special gift - a Robotic Pet Sea-Creature Tank donated by The Entertainer.