THE mum of a seven-year-old boy who died from cancer last year has condemned heartless yobs for destroying his memorial twice in a matter of days.

Braiden Lee Prescott, from Leigh, died at Derian House Children's Hospice on September 1 after neuroblastoma, which he was first diagnosed with at the age of two, returned for the third time.

A memorial to the brave youngster was created by his uncle Kane and some of Braiden Lee's friends on a tree in Firs Park the day after his death.

It included toys he played with and teddy bears from his funeral.

His mum Steph was dismayed to hear from a friend on Thursday that the treasured memorial items had gone with the tree having been stripped bare.

The 26-year-old went to the park the following day to put up a new memorial for her beloved son only to be told on Saturday morning that the new items she had placed on the tree had also been taken.

Steph, who has two other sons with husband Wayne in Tyler, six, and Kody, three, said: “Whoever has done it obviously has not got a heart.

"We used to take him to that park quite a lot as a family.

“I am annoyed because those responsible do not feel what we do every day, and to add this on top is a low blow for us to take.

“The memorial means a lot to my brother because he picked the tree and what was on it.

"It was his way of connecting with him.”

Steph says the incidents have been reported to Greater Manchester Police but they have not been able to find any evidence to connect someone with taking the memorial items.

She is planning to redecorate the tree again on Friday and claims a sign is set to be placed there from Wigan Council giving official permission for a memorial to Braiden Lee to be situated there.

The council had previously only given verbal permission, says Steph.

A council spokesman said: “Our sympathies are with the family and we would be happy to work with them to arrange a more permanent form of memorial for Braiden Lee which could reduce the risk of any vandalism.

“We are aware of the issues in the park and our anti-social behaviour team has been involved, along with other partners, to investigate and see what can be done to tackle it in the area."

Anyone with information about the vandalism of the memorial tree should contact police on 101.