JOHN and Tracey Chad planted a tree yesterday to remember the child they lost to a rare spinal disease.

The Darlington couple wanted to do something to commemorate the short life of their son, Matthew, who died, aged three months, last September.

Because the couple used to push Matthew's pram through South Park, they asked Darlington Borough Council if they could name a tree after Matthew.

Paul Place, acting park manager, said he was very touched by the couple's request, which fitted in with the £1m restoration programme of South Park.

Yesterday, the couple helped to plant a semi-mature beech tree. The tree, which is already about 40 to 50 years old, should live for another century.

Because it is not possible to attach a plaque to a living tree, the plan is to put up a sign in one of the park's refurbished buildings when they reopen. Matthew's parents also want to dedicate a park bench in their son's memory.

The couple are raising awareness about Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), a rare inheritable disease, which weakens of the muscles.

In the most severe form, the type which Matthew suffered from, the condition starts shortly before or after birth and means that children usually do not survive beyond two years.

About one in 6,400 births are affected by SMA.

"Greater awareness of SMA will lead to a cure at the end of the day," said Mrs Chad, who is backing efforts by the Jennifer Trust charity to fund research into the disaease.

To support the Matthew Chad Angel Fund (associated with the Jennifer Trust charity), send cheques to The Jennifer Trust, Elta House, Birmingham Road, Stratford upon Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 OAQ.