Back in September 8-year old Harley Staples lined-up as mascot alongside his City heroes for the Coca-Cola Championship match against Blackpool at the Walkers Stadium.

Despite suffering from a very rare and aggressive form of Leukaemia (Burkitt lymphoma), Harley, along with his mum Katherine and dad, Jamie, soaked up the atmosphere, making a huge impression on all who came into contact with them on the day.

Harley enjoyed the experience with the youthful exuberance you would come to expect from one so young, always with a smile on his face, this enthusiasm would earn him the appropriate nickname of 'Happy Harley' from his mum and dad.

Harley and his family proved to be a great inspiration to many at Leicester City Football Club during their visit, in particular Club Secretary Andrew Neville, who will be attempting to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in July in aid of the Harley Staples Fund.

The Harley Staples Fund was set-up to provide support for children and families on Ward 27 at the Leicester Royal Infirmary and children with potentially life threatening illnesses. The fund has also helped purchase the first 'Happy Harley's Holiday Home'.

Harley sadly lost his brave battle against illness in November 2009 and is greatly missed by all who were fortunate enough to have came into contact with him.

Happy Harley's Holiday Homes will provide a family in a similar situation to Harley's to have a break and spend some quality time away free of charge.

The first holiday home was purchased appropriately near Cromer, one of Harley's favourite places.

Neville said; "I am 50 this year and wanted to do something to mark that occasion, hence identifying climbing Kilimanjaro as that something, but I also wanted to give something back. After getting to know Harley and his lovely family, I thought that raising money for his fund, in his memory, was the ideal thing to do. That way we can try to do something to make a small difference to the lives of some of those less fortunate than ourselves".

You can make a donation by sending a cheque or cash payable to K.Staples, please mark all donations 'Andrew Neville - Harley Staples Fund' to the Walkers Stadium, Filbert Way, Leicester.

You can also now make a donation to the fund by clicking the link below.