The Londoner, who lived in Cleadon, lost his battle with lung cancer in August 2005 and spent many of his last days in Ward 10 of South Tyneside District Hospital.

Following his death, aged 68, his family organised a high-profile 'Night of Honour and Celebration' involving musicians from The Pretty Things and The Nashville Teens.

A staggering £4,846.50 was raised in his memory, and later donated to the ward.

Mr Little's wife, Iris, decided the ward would benefit after spending many hours there with her husband, giving her time to reflect on how it could be improved and how visiting could be made more comfortable.

The cash has now been used to furnish a quiet room for relatives, dining furniture for the day room and six recliner chairs for patients or relatives who may want to stay overnight.

Mrs Little visited the ward and met up with Sister Sam Carman and Modern Matron Debra Stephen to see the improvements for herself.
Changes

She said: "I can see there is a huge difference, not only to the decor but to the comfort of all who visit. Carlo would have been so proud that his name helped to make these changes."

The charity night at York House in Twickenham saw a host of rockers turn out to pay tribute to a man who inspired a generation of drummers.
They included Mickey Waller, who played drums with Rod Stewart and The Good Old Boys, featuring Deep Purple bassist Nick Simper and Art Wood, Ronnie Wood's brother.

At the time, Mrs Little said: "It was a fantastic night. Carlo was so modest, he wouldn't have believed it was all for him."

The family thanked everyone who took part in the event, especially Michael Minchella's band Tonto's Horse, who had travelled 300 miles to be there.

Mr Minchella became good friends with the couple during Mr Little's illness.

Sister Carman said: "Thank you to everyone involved in the fundraising, and especially to Iris who worked tirelessly to raise such a large amount of money, all of which has been used to improve the environment on Ward 10 for patients and relatives."

Mr Little retired to Cleadon with his wife, originally from South Shields, in 2003.

But he was diagnosed with lung cancer shortly afterwards, and despite treatment and months in remission, a secondary tumour was found in his spine, and he died at St Clare's Hospice in Jarrow.