CASH raised for a father who died before getting a life-saving double lung transplant will help send a boy to America for a vital operation.

Seven-year-old Michael Gannon's family have been able to complete a £30,000 appeal this week thanks to £10,000 of the money collected for David Richards.

News Shopper readers had rallied round with dozens of events, helping Mr Richards family raise about £28,000 towards their £200,000 target.

When the 54-year-old died suddenly last month, his wife, Shirley, decided the cash should be distributed to other good causes and now plans to set up an annual appeal in her husband's name.

Mrs Richards, of Starts Hill Road, Farnborough, visited Michael's parents, Tony Gannon and Jackie Wischhusen at their home in Shirley, Croydon, on Monday to hand over the cheque.

She said: "This seemed like the perfect cause to donate to. We're going to keep David's appeal open and will be giving money to good causes."

Michael has a condition called a chiari malformation, a blockage at the base of the brain stem.

The youngster has already had three operations to try and correct his condition but without further surgery his parents fear he may be paralysed.

Our sister paper, the Croydon Guardian, has been appealing for funds to send the lad to Los Angeles for the op, which cannot be done in the UK.

His mum, Jackie, said: "It still hasn't sunk in. I cannot take in how generous people are.

"It is very hard to put into words how you feel when total strangers would give you money to help your little boy, except to say we are so grateful to everybody who has helped us."

l News Shopper still has a number of cheques from September 21 which have yet to be forwarded. We intend to post them on November 10. If you do not wish your cheque to be sent, call us on 01689 885711.