Mountains challenge in memory of Tommy (From The Bolton News)

Mountains challenge in memory of Tommy

12:19pm Thursday 21st June 2007 in

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THE memory of a little boy who lived for only three months is driving a group of determined fundraisers to tackle the country's highest mountains.

Tommy D'Attorre, whose family live in Hallbridge Gardens, Bolton, died in April after being born with fatal Type 1 Spinal Muscular Atrophy.

The disease is the biggest genetic cause of death among children under two in the UK, affecting one in 40. It is caused by rogue genes in both parents.

The plight of the little boy with the huge hazel eyes and no future touched many local people. And family and friends pledged to both raise funds for the charity - the Jennifer Trust, which finances research into SMA and helps sufferers and their families - and to raise awareness of the condition.

Tommy's heartbroken parents, Ralph and Siobhain D'Attorre, want couples planning a family to know about SMA, and to consider a gene test.

Now, Ralph together with relatives and friends plans to climb Ben Nevis in Scotland, Scafell in the Lake District and Snowdon in Wales in a Three Peaks challenge sponsored event from June 28 to July 1.

"We were all affected by Tommy's death," said Tommy's uncle, Carlo D'Attorre.

The fundraisers are looking for help and sponsorship from local firms and individuals. Already, Gordons Ford are lending the group a mini-bus to transport them on their challenging trip and Mark Fogg of Abstract Ltd has printed special T-shirts for them.

"We want to help prevent other couples going through what we have been through," said Ralph. "We will never forget Tommy and need to raise funds and awareness in his name."

Anyone can give to the fund, either via www.justgiving.com/ tommysangelfund or by contacting Ralph on 077868 44111 or emailing rda@rda247.com