The family of a little boy who tragically lost his life to cancer have handed over a cheque for £16,000 to the children's hospice which cared for him in his final hours.

The money was raised in memory of two-year-old Thomas Brame who died on February 15 in Martin House Hospice only a week after being diagnosed with the aggressive cancer Medulloblastoma.

His grieving parents Anthony and Kathryn Brame vowed to raise money for charity in his memory and have now visited Martin House to hand over the cash.

Included in the party was 20-week-old Abigail, a baby sister Thomas had longed for and who was born only four months after his death.

The family raised the money by taking part in a 26-mile trek up the three Yorkshire Peaks on June 24.

The early birth of Abigail on June 22 meant Mrs Brame, 30, was not able to take part in the event, but a massive effort by Anthony, 36, and the couple's family and friends meant a fundraising target of £2,000 was soon surpassed.

"It just snowballed," said Mrs Brame. "I am very proud of everyone."

About £7,000 was raised through a dedicated website and other cash came from local businesses such as the Halifax which raised £900 by holding a cake stall, staff at HSBC who raised £2,000 which was then added to by the bank by £500, and Volkswagen in Leeds where Mr Brame works, gave £250. Mrs Brame works for British Gas and the company has nominated the cause as its charity for the next 12 months, so money will continue to roll in.

The family has also pledged to do a walk every year to raise money for charities which look after children with cancer, such as Candlelighters.

For now the couple say they are getting used to having Abigail around, while missing Thomas at the same time.

The bubbly youngster, who loved Thomas the Tank Engine and cars, showed no symptoms of cancer until he was taken to hospital on February 6 with serious headaches.

Doctors operated the following day on a brain tumour and hoped Thomas would recover, but the youngster died in Martin House. The hospice does not receive any Government funding, which appalled the family, of Leeds Old Road, Heckmondwike.

"Thomas was always smiling and we have pictures everywhere. He was brilliant but so is Abigail. Thomas wanted a sister - he said I was having a girl and he was right," said Mrs Brame.

"We have good days and bad days but my husband is amazing and very supportive, going out to work and then coming home and looking after me and Abigail.

"But Christmas is coming up and we have that to face so it is still difficult."

e-mail: claire.lomax @bradford.newsquest.co.uk