FAMILY of a tragic tot who died within hours of suddenly falling ill have paid tribute to schools which supported a memorial sponsored walk.

Mark and Kelly Barrett said the response to the walk, in memory of their four-year-old son Ryan, had been overwhelming.

More than £4,400 has been raised so far and an online donations page, totalgiving.co.uk/mypage/ryanwilliambarrett, is still open.

Proceeds are going to the Child Funeral Charity, which financially supports families faced with having to arrange a funeral for a baby or child.

Little Ryan became ill with stomach pains and sickness at his home in Sun Street, Eastburn, on the evening of December 14, 2014.

His condition worsened during the night and he was taken to the emergency department at Airedale Hospital, but died within two hours.

He had suffered a twisted intestine.

In a public message, his parents and family have thanked Eastburn Junior and Infant School, the village pre-school and South Craven School at Cross Hills – plus the wider community – for their backing.

"It has been a tough year for us and we have to say a big thank-you to the Eastburn and South Craven schools, friends, family and the whole community for all their help and support – it really has been overwhelming and has helped us a great deal," they say.

It is hoped the walk, which covered a seven-mile route along the Leeds-Liverpool Canal towpath from Bingley to Silsden, will become an annual event.