The devoted young children of a man who died from leukaemia have organised a sponsored walk to raise funds for the staff who nursed him.

Ten-year-old Rebecca Plaxton and her five-year-old brother Dominic will be joined by friends and family on a six-mile trek in Shipley Glen.

They hope the money raised will buy a new wheelchair and facilities for The Friends of Leukaemia and Lymphoma Unit at Leeds General Infirmary, where their dad, Ian, 35, was cared for during his illness.

The former caretaker at Benton Park School, Rawdon, was diagnosed with the disease in July 1998 and spent the following 16 months in and out of hospital. He finally lost his battle for life on November 21 last year - six days after Dominic's fifth birthday.

His wife Kay, 30, of Pool-in-Wharfedale, said it was important for the family to raise as much money as possible. "Even if we were to raise a million pounds it would never give back to those nurses what they put in to help me, the children and Ian during that time," she said.

"They were absolutely brilliant and even though Ian didn't survive we can't thank them enough for their efforts. We want to try and raise as much money as we possibly can and have got at least £300 in sponsorship already. It's been a struggle since he died but we've coped. You have to in these situations."

Fourteen-year-old Mark Poole, his ten-year-old brother Matthew and mum Caroline will also take part. Caroline, 34, of Greengates, is Kay's sister and has been supporting her since the tragedy.

She said: "The children just wanted to thank the ward and do something in their daddy's memory. It's been very hard for the family but they have coped very well."

The walk will take place on Saturday, September 2 and will be followed by a special auction evening the following day at The Station pub, Harrogate Road, Greengates. Four tickets to watch Bradford Bulls will be auctioned along with tickets for the Leeds Rhinos v London Broncos on September 15.

On Wednesday, September 6, the pub will also host a raffle evening with more than 40 prizes donated by Benton Park School, First Bradford, Northern Spirit and other local businesses.

Kay said: "We would like to thank everybody who has donated a prize. Everybody has been very generous and we really appreciate the support."

For information contact Caroline on (01274) 620797.