The son of a “brave and inspiring” Ipswich woman who died after a battle with cancer has made an emotional trip to the town’s hospital, to hand over a fund-raising cheque which will benefit the ward that helped her.

Nine-year-old Ashton Garrett told staff at the Heath Road site he was determined to carry on raising funds as he handed over more than £1,700 to the Woolverstone Wish Fund, which was raised at a charity night hosted by his mum Dawn, who died last month.

Dawn, 37, who suffered from a myriad of health problems, hosted a series of events before her death after describing the staff and work done in the ward as “fantastic” – she helped to raise thousands of pounds.

Ashton was joined by his nan, Janet, for the handover and she admitted it was an emotional day.

“They didn’t think that we would go up so soon, but we had the money and it was nice for him because he doesn’t talk a lot about it really,” said the 59-year-old.

“All the staff wanted to come along as well, it was a bit overwhelming but it was lovely.”

The Woolverstone Wish Fund has been set up with the aim of refurbishing the chemotherapy outpatient clinics and day-unit in the Woolverstone wing of Ipswich Hospital.

Staff at the hospital admitted they were extremely touched by the visit.

Cheryl Thayer, chairman of the Woolverstone Wish Charity, said: “Dawn was an incredible person who touched the lives of many people including staff working here at the centre.

“Despite being very unwell, Dawn, supported by her family, was a tireless fundraiser and she has raised thousands of pounds for the Woolverstone Wish.

“Ashton wanted to present the cheque to us from the Garrett family in person and we were delighted to see him and Janet his grandmother.”

Ashton and Janet now hope to hold a fundraising night every year on Dawn’s birthday to raise funds.