THE family of a youngster who died from a rare debilitating illness are to donate thousands of pounds to charity in his name.

Nicholas Robinson was left unable to walk, talk or even smile after contracting Alper's disease, a genetic degenerative brain condition, at the age of two.

He became a prisoner in his own body before dying at the age of three in May this year.

Friends and family set up the Nicholas Appeal to try to provide better facilities for the youngster at the family home in Beech Road, Great Harwood.

When he died, the money was redirected to various charities that had helped the family throughout their ordeal. So far a total of £28,444 has been raised, with a target set at £100,000. Nicholas' devoted grandparents, Sandra and John Robinson, who provided around the clock care for Nicholas, are now due to attend several ceremonies where they will hand over cash donations.

Nicholas' mum Stefanie, who has been training as a social worker, will also be in attendance.

Grandmother Sandra Robinson said: "It has made us feel so humble that people have been so touched by the life of Nicholas that they have given so much. It has been truly uplifting. The fundraising has given us a purpose and kept us sane."

The family will go to the Rainbow Trust's headquarters in Fernstone, Northumberland, to present a cheque for £5,000. The charity, which supports families with terminally ill children, is holding a special tree planting ceremony in memory of Nicholas.

A further £10,000 will be presented to the Derian House children's hospice near Chorley and £2,500 will be given to a special needs school so that pupils can be taken to Disneyland.

The family have recently received a photograph from a Thai orphanage where a family friend has been working. Children there released balloons into the sky to remember Nicholas in an act that echoed events at his funeral.

Mrs Robinson added: "Nicholas was a very special boy and he touched lives across the world. Some times our tears are no longer sad ones, but ones of joy when we see how much love Nicholas had to share and how it had benefitted so many others."

To support the appeal, send cheques to PO Box 217, Oswaldtwistle, BB5 9AT or visit www.thenicholas appeal.co.uk.