A nine-year-old boy from Bexleyheath who lost his dad to a cancer last year has captured the hearts of a community and raised thousands of pounds for a south London hospice - with his best friend by his side.

Ben Evans, a Year 4 pupil at Upland Primary School lost his dad Nick, 46, to a rare from of ureter cancer in August last year.

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Nick Evans with daughter Layla and Ben.

In a bid to thank the hospice staff who helped care for his beloved father the determined youngster teamed up with best pal, Drew Carter to raise much-needed cash for Greenwich and Bexley Community Hospice.

The pair ran 2.62 miles around Greenwich Park on Sunday (April 19) - raising £3,500 in sponsorship from adoring neighbours and friends who read about the pair's efforts in News Shopper.

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Drew Carter and Ben Evans

Proud mum-of-two, Helen Evans, 44, said: "Our children are coping so well - eight months on now.

"It was an amazing day.

"The support they boys had was incredible.

"One guy who saw Ben's dad's photo on his back even came up to say hello to me as he had worked with Nick so it was an emotional day indeed.

"I have had elderly neighbours popping in with cash after the saw the photo in the paper."

The mini marathon, organised by the hospice in a bid to raise £40,000, saw 1,000 youngsters don running shoes to take part.

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The boys wore pictures of Nick Evans on their backs

Mrs Evans added: "We were told the hospice hoped to raise £40k so with gift aid contributions, the boys have pulled in a good 10 per cent themselves."

Hospice community fundraiser Augusta Adu said: "We want to thank each and every one of our marvellous mini marathoners for their dedication, hard work and effort."

"A big thank you also goes to our team of volunteers; without their support this event wouldn’t be possible."

For more information about the hospice, visit communityhospice.org.uk