A COMMUNITY has rallied behind a mother and her 11-year-old son in their efforts to raise cash for a hospital unit who helped save the boy’s life when he suffered a brain haemorrhage.

Jaynie Davison and her son Jake, eight, of Blackhill, Consett, have donated £1,790 to the paediatric intensive care at Newcastle Royal Victoria Infirmary, following a fundraising event and scavenger hunt in May.

Ms Davison said: “We wanted to say thank you to the medical staff who saved his life.

"They were all so caring and quick to act.”

Jake was rushed to the University Hospital of North Durham hospital after collapsing at home in April 2011. A scan confirmed doctor’s suspicions that he had suffered a life-threatening brain haemorrhage.

Ms Davison said: “Jake was transferred to the RVI where he had an emergency operation that evening.

"Unfortunately the haemorrhage bled again overnight and two more operations were necessary to stabalise his condition.

“After a two-week stay in the RVI , Jake made a wonderful recovery and is now fully fit, playing football for Consett Eagles."

Jake has just taken his KS 2 SATs and is looking forward to starting St Bede’s School in Lanchester in the new term.

Last year Ms Davison and Jake organised and completed a sponsored walk from the RVI to their home. With the support of family and friends, including Jake’s football teammates, a total of £2,500 was raised.

This year’s event was held at Blackhill Comrades Club, with local businesses donating prizes for a raffle – the top prize being VIP tickets for the Rhianna concert at the Stadium of Light, donated by Sunderland Football Club.

Jake, a season ticket holder, was treated to a visit to the academy where he met the player, while he was recovering from his ordeal. His younger brother, Aidan, five, was also involved in fundraising.