A WIDNES schoolboy has raised more than £750 for Halton Haven in memory his policeman dad who spent his final month at the hospice.

Marcus Southern, 15, took part in the Liverpool Santa Dash to honour Darren, 42, who died from kidney cancer on June 2, 2010.

The dad-of-two completed a half marathon three months before his death for the hospice and Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, after raising thousands of pounds for charity.

His wife Lynne has praised the ‘outstanding care’ Darren received.

Nothing was too much trouble for hospice staff as they arranged for him to have his favourite McDonald’s treats and a day trip on a barge.

The family enjoyed a tea party in the garden to celebrate his daughter Aimee’s upcoming sixth birthday.

Sadly, Darren died two weeks later but his generosity is being kept alive by his son.

Wade Deacon pupil Marcus said: “I feel that I need to give something back to the hospice since they cared for my dad so well.

“And since he also loved to help others, I would like to try and follow in his footsteps and carry on his legacy.”

When he turned up in his festive costume, Marcus was surprised to find 15 school friends had secretly registered for the event.

He raised a further £75 from a charity bike ride.

Lynne now collects change for the hospice at Coffee500, her coffee shop on St Michael’s Industrial Estate in Widnes.

Chris Andrews, hospice community fundraiser, said: “Marcus has done an incredible job in raising over £700.

“It is testament to the hard work he has put into his fundraising and is a wonderful way to honour his father.

“Without people like Marcus supporting the hospice, we wouldn’t be able to fund the care we provide. We are hugely grateful for his amazing support.”

n To sponsor Marcus visit justgiving.com/Lynne-Southern.