A YEAR-LONG appeal in memory of a three-month-old boy who died as a result of a rare muscular condition has smashed its target.

The Matthew’s Memory Appeal was set up by Butterwick House Children’s Hospice, in Stockton, last January to raise £25,000 to fund a sick children’s nurse.

The fund was set up in memory of Matthew Chad.

The Northern Echo: Matthew Chad, who died aged three months from a rare muscular conditionMatthew died aged three months from a rare muscular condition

The baby, from Darlington, died seven years ago from spinal muscular atrophy.

He was born healthy in Darlington Memorial Hospital, but soon suffered problems as a result of the incurable disease.

His parents, John and Tracey, said he simply wasted away.

Mr and Mrs Chad, of Parkside, Darlington, said they have received invaluable support from Butterwick Hospice ever since their son died.

They now have two more sons, Andrew, aged six, and Nathan, ten months.

A series of events were organised to raise money, including a toddler fashion show and a dog walk. During its year, the fund raised more than £26,500.

Mrs Chad said: “We are absolutely delighted to hear that the appeal has gone over its target. Matthew will, of course, always be with us, but for other people to have seen his face and been touched enough to have been so generous is fantastic.

“We have always been able to depend on the hospice for support and kindness, and to be able to front this appeal has been a privilege.”

Her husband said: “We are really grateful that people have put their hands in their pockets to support the appeal, and we’d like to thank everyone in Darlington and beyond who did so much towards it.”

Graham Leggatt-Chidgey, chief executive of Butterwick Hospice Care, said: “This was a very special appeal for 2011 for the children’s hospice and it has clearly touched people’s hearts.

“Although our general fundraising has been under pressure – like many other charities – this appeal has come in well over its target.

I’d like to thank the Chads for being the faces of this appeal and also thank those individuals and organisations who have supported it.”