THE family of a schoolboy who died after an asthma attack has launched an appeal in his memory.

Nine-year-old Jacob Fleming, of School Aycliffe, died last May after his first asthma attack.

On Monday, which would have been Jacob's 11th birthday, his mother, Ruth, and her partner, Nick Martin, started to raise funds for modern medical equipment to help diagnose lung conditions.

Miss Fleming took part in a sponsored walk on a treadmill at Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre and Mr Martin was sponsored to lift weights throughout the day at Bannatyne's Health Club, in Darlington.

The pair hope money raised from both efforts will set them well on the way to raising £50,000 to buy a bronchoscope for the Midlands Asthma and Allergy Research Association.

Miss Fleming said: "I would love to buy a bronchoscope in Jake's name, it would be like having a little bit of Jake out there trying to stop other people suffering.

"This piece of equipment could be sent to people anywhere in the country to help doctors examine lungs and understand severe or life-threatening asthma and hopefully then help improve their lives."

To support the Jacob Fleming Appeal send a cheque, made payable to MAARA, to PO Box 1057, Leicester, LE2 3GZ, or call (0116) 270 7557 for details.