Cinema in Memory of Little Superstar

The family of a brave little boy who died of cancer have built a cinema room at University Hospital in his memory. Ben Preston was just eight-years-old when he lost his battle with cancer in 2007. Since then the family have raised more than 78,000 pounds for the Brave Ben's Superstars Fund, which distributes funds to all the organisations (the superstars) who helped with Ben's treatment.

Andy Preston, 47, of Clayton, is delighted the money raised in his son's memory will help children on the Cheetham's wards. He said: "This cinema area will give the children that little bit of normality during their stay in hospital. The Wii Fit will also be a great addition because the physiotherapists can actually prescribe exercises using it. I remember when Ben was given exercises. He hated them, but he would have been more interested if they were on a computer game."

Ben was receiving treatment for two years before he died and his family noticed it did not take long for him to get bored of the toys and games at the hospital. Andy Preston said: "This is our way of keeping Ben's memory alive. We didn't want to give money to a national charity where you couldn't see it making any difference, so we decided to give it to places where families will actually feel the benefit."

Ben's Mum Alison and sister Amy believe the fund-raising just gathered pace and gave all the family a focus. Alison said: "We know what it's like when your child is going through cancer treatment and we have good sense of what is needed. It gives us a sense of pride and we know Ben would have enjoyed this cinema room. I’d like to thank Rob Edwards from Envisage who built the cinema unit from Paul Jones’ design, Paul also designed the cartoon."

Steve Rushton, Charitable Funds manager, said: "We are grateful for this donation. I've already seen a number of children using it and the smiles on the children's faces when they walk into the cinema room is as good a legacy to Ben as I can imagine."

For more information please visit www.benssuperstars.org.uk.