WHILE most children dream about birthday gifts, one young lad was thinking about what he can do for others.

Generous Luke Harper has asked for donations to charity instead of toys for his sixth birthday.

Luke, from Leigh, was born 12 weeks prematurely, weighing just 2lbs. He spent the first three months of his life in Southend Hospital’s special care baby unit.

Together with his mother Sallyann and brother Ross the youngster visited the unit to present a cheque for £200 in lieu of birthday gifts, as a gesture of thanks for all the help he received.

Following their tour of the unit, his proud mum said: “Luke is doing really well now, but he has had some development problems as he was so premature.

“When organising his birthday party we decided, rather than receiving 40 presents from his class friends from last year and this year, to approach the parents who knew Luke and suggest they make a donation to the unit instead.

“Everyone thought it was a great idea and a very good cause. The unit did so much for Luke and without them he wouldn’t be here today.”

The cheque was received by Sister Linda Luza who said: “On behalf of the special care baby unit I would like to say a big thank you to Luke and his family for this very kind donation.

“We are delighted to see Luke so well and happy and it was a pleasure to show him where he spent the first weeks of his life.”