CHILDREN'S favourites Thomas the Tank Engine and the Fat Controller steamed into Barnet last week to help raise money for charity.

The railway characters visited The Spires shopping centre in Barnet last Friday to raise funds for sufferers of Neuroblastoma, an aggressive cancer that starts in the nerve tissue and begins in early childhood.

The charity event was organised by Yvonne Brown, 42, a police officer from Barnet who tragically lost her seven-year-old son Jack to the disease in 2008.

Several years ago, Mrs Brown had to appeal to charities in order to access top-quality treatment for her son in Philedelphia. She said that the USA is years ahead of UK when it comes to researching childhood cancer and prolonging the lives of child sufferers.

She has since set up her own charity, J.A.C.K (Joining Against Cancer in Kids) which helps provide financial support to families hoping to access top treatment. The charity has also raised £100,000 for research into bringing more advanced treatments to the U.K.

Yvonne chose Thomas the Tank Engine to represent the charity at The Spires centre as he was her son's favourite character. She said: "Thomas was huge in his life".

The Spires will host another charity event during half-term which will undoubtedly be a huge hit with little girls. Angelina Ballerina will give free dance lessons to children. There will also be a free face painter at the event which will be taking place on Monday 31st May.

The Spires Centre Manager, Graham Trotman said: “It’s great to be able to provide free entertainment for our shoppers. Thomas The Tank Engine was extremely popular and made the Easter weekend all the more enjoyable.”

If you would like to find out more about J.A.C.K. or donate money, visit the charity's website at http://www.j-a-c-k.org/.