DREAMS of a respite care centre for autistic children were becoming reality for Lesley Hanson when she died at the age of 35.

Building work had started and her impassioned vision touched the emotions of complete strangers. The Daisy Chain charity was born.

But two years to the day since her death, her husband Duane is still struggling with her death following an operation.

"For weeks after losing Lesley I struggled to find the strength to carry on with the plans, it was such a shock," said Mr Hanson, 42.

"I stayed away for the first month because there were too many memories. Everything here was Lesley.

"But I couldn't walk away after she put in so much effort - it took over our lives and I had to carry on.

"There is an unbelievable support network here and we all want Lesley's dreams to become a lasting legacy. It's what she would have wanted."

The respite care centre at Calf Fallow Farm in Norton, near Stockton, Teesside, is taking shape.

A petting farm is in place, with the recent addition of two donkeys, and the grounds for the day centre and play area are ready for the builders.

A former social worker, Mr Hanson said: "It is unbelievable to stand and look at what has been achieved.

"In just three years of Lesley first suggesting the project, we are planning the second summer of day sessions for children to visit.

"There is still a long way to go before everything we want here on the farm is finished. And the possibilities are endless for the charity.

"This will be the first of its kind, but we want these centres across the country."

Mr Hanson and the couple's two children Jacob, ten, and 19-year-old Leah, are planning a memorial bench for a tranquil garden at the front of the farmhouse and its five-and-a-half acres of land.

He said: "Everyone will know that Lesley started this. Daisy Chain was born through her and will live on in her memory."

"Even when she was alive, Lesley was amazed at the snowball effect from donations and support. There is an obvious and urgent need for a centre of this kind."

Looking to the future, Mr Hanson said the two-storey play barn will start to take shape, with a soft play area, music room and offices, and sensory gardens and nature trails will be ready for youngsters enjoy in the summer.

Security surrounding the site has cost £20,000 and the reality of a ten-bed overnight respite area is no longer a dream.

A swimming pool is also part of the ambitious plans created by a woman who was inspired to help others.

Lesley and her husband became aware of the difficulties posed through autism after Jacob was diagnosed with a mild form of the condition at the age of four.

Through parent support groups, the couple realised the need for the Daisy Chain Respite Centre.

The charity continues to grow and is in need of constant support.

To make a donation or to find out more, contact the centre on (01642) 531248 or log on to www.daisychainproject.co.uk