A man has left £170,000 to a children’s charity after remembering his own battle with an illness many decades ago.

Fredrick Edward Carter, who was living in Scotts Road, Leyton, at the time of his death aged 93, was treated for tuberculosis as a child.

The cheque was presented to Haven House Children's Hospice in High Road, Woodford Green, by his nieces, Linda Wyman and Helen Lee today.

Linda said: “My uncle Fred decided some time ago that he wanted to leave a legacy to provide specialist nursing for children.

“As a child, he spent five years in hospital being treated for Tuberculosis and he was very keen that other children could access the same specialist care that he had.”

Fredrick was left physically disabled by his illness, but friends and family say that he led a busy and fulfilling life.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Frederick Carter, who died aged 93, resisted the demolition of his home for the M11 extension

He had a successful business as a watch and clock repairer and was a keen photographer and a well-respected member of The West Essex Model Flying Club.

He was also known for being highly principled.

When his house in Fillebrook Road, Leytonstone, was compulsory purchased in 1996 to make way for the M11 link road, he was determined not to move.

The property was later last house standing in that section of the street.

Talking about the generous legacy, Haven House chief executive Mike Palfreman said: “Legacy donations are vital to any charity to secure its long-term future and we are honoured that Mr Carter decided to choose Haven House as his beneficiary.

“It’s particularly touching that Fredrick wanted to help other children with life-limiting illnesses, in the same way that he had been helped as a child.”

Mr Carter suffered health problems after a fall and died from a chest infection in September last year.