Billy McCrory (52), from Belfast, who has suffered from a heart condition for 10 years, founded Shine A Light in 1997 in order to give children with cancer a better life.

And, over the years, the former civil servant is believed to have helped scores of kids - and their families - via his "tricks and treats" charity work.

"I decided to do something for children with cancer to ease the hurt and pain and anguish they go through," he said.

"I thought it may be time they went through good times.

"I have no personal links with cancer, but over 25 years ago, when I used to visit a friend in hospital, there was a young lad in a bed across the room.

"We never spoke, but he would've held up a Liverpool scarf and I would've held up a Manchester United scarf.

"One day I went to the Royal and he wasn't there. I was told he had died. It hurt a lot. I started asking questions ... Why a child? That's what prompted me to start."

A party of 25 people went to see Santa in Lapland just before Christmas, thanks to Shine A Light, and there are plans afoot to take eight children with cancer and their families to Salou in Spain in June.

Other treats have included trips to popular concerts like Westlife, Celtic, Rangers and Manchester United football matches, West End shows, such as Les Miserables, and Belfast opera and cinema outings.

"We help kids under treatment and those who have finished it, as well as terminally ill children. It's a very valuable service. It gives kids an alternative to treatment. They have something positive to look forward to," he said.

"And there have been some funny kids' requests in the past. A young 12-year-old lad asked to see how a JCB is made so we took him to the factory in Leeds Bradford.

"Then, a couple of weeks ago, we organised a cavalcade of 86 tractors for a wee girl from Dromore."

Shine a Light is not Government funded. Instead, Billy relies on fundraising activities - such as the La Mon Hotel Christmas Family Lunch which raised a staggering £25,000 last year.

"Three years ago we made £7,000, but it has become more popular. People know the money is going to be spent on children with cancer," he said.

"In Northern Ireland people are second to none. Lots of businesses make donations, but the majority of money comes from the ordinary man and woman in the street."

For Billy it's a seven day week, every week, during the year, which means that help is always at hand for sufferers.

"Even when a child passes away we don't forget them.

"We have a candle night every year before Christmas for those we have lost. They will never be forgotten."