A COMMUNITY is rallying round in support of the family of a tragic tot who died suddenly just before Christmas.

Neighbours and friends of Mark and Kelly Barrett, who lost four-year-old son Ryan from a twisted intestine, are staging a fundraising walk.

Spearheading the sponsored event is Sabina Waterhouse, who lives across the road from the family in Sun Street, Eastburn.

"Everyone was completely shocked by what happened to Ryan and we wanted to do something to help the family," said the 35-year-old mum.

"It's a very close-knit community and everybody in the street looks out for one another and the children play together.

"We've all felt the loss and if it has affected us so strongly, it is difficult to imagine how Mark and Kelly are coping."

Mrs Waterhouse, a secretary at Kilmeny Surgery in Ingrow, said the walk idea had snowballed.

"Rather than buy something for the family, we felt it would be more helpful if we could raise some money for them to use as they see fit," she said.

"At Christmastime people are financially stretched anyway, but on top of that to have the devastation of losing someone and then having to meet the expense of a funeral is just awful.

"The walk gives those who want to do something to help, the opportunity."

She said support for the event, which will take place on Saturday, March 21, had been overwhelming.

Neighbour Jenni Gaines has helped publicise the walk, through leaflets and posters.

The Co-op at Cross Hills is providing refreshments and sweets, and local schools are giving their backing.

Walkers will set off from Bingley's Three-Rise Locks at 10am and head along the canal towpath to Silsden.

People can walk the full seven miles, or any section of the route.

Participants are asked to wear bright, or Disney-related, clothing. Goody bags will be given to all the children.

Sponsor forms are available from the Morrisons Local in Steeton, the Cross Hills food Co-op and garage, the fish and chip shop in Eastburn and Eastburn General Stores.

Mr Barrett said support from the community had been fantastic and family members – he and Kelly have five other children – hoped to join the walk.

"I'd like to say a massive thank-you to Sabina and to everyone for all they are doing – we really appreciate it," he said.

"Everybody has been so supportive."

Ryan suddenly became ill, with stomach ache and sickness, on the evening of December 14.

His condition worsened during the night and his dad took him to the Emergency Department at nearby Airedale Hospital.

Despite desperate efforts to save him, Ryan died within two hours.