BIG-hearted neighbours are buying accident tot Elliot Donlon's parents a car - so they can continue to be at their son's hospital bedside.

The magnificent gesture sums up the concern of residents along Dill Hall Lane, Church, who have raised more than £1,000 to help two-year-old Elliot's parents cope.

Little Elliot suffered serious injuries when he was involved in a collision with a car, outside his home in Dill Hall Lane, before Easter.

After initial treatment at Blackburn Royal Infirmary he was transferred to the paediatric intensive care unit of Leeds General Hospital.

Now he is in Manchester's Booth Hall Children's Hospital, where he is being cared for on a general ward. His condition is improving slowly.

The accident has prompted calls for improved traffic-calming measures along the road, which has been branded a race track by residents.

Meanwhile two neighbourhood watch groups have joined forces to support Elliot's parents, Mick and Sue, who have maintained a bedside vigil since the accident.

Mrs Janet Reidy, co-ordinator of the Harrington Street Neighbourhood Watch, said: "The fund-raising efforts have largely been organised by Barry Williams who is co-ordinator of the Dill Hall lane Neighbourhood Watch.

"Since the accident Sue and Mick have had the use of a neighbour's car - but we have decided to use money raised to buy them their own . We are rallying to help in any way we can."

More than £900 was raised for Elliot at a sell-out disco at Enfield Cricket Club. England and Blackburn Rovers striker Alan Shearer donated a club shirt which was raffled for £200.

And children drummed up £500 through a sponsored walk for Elliot.

Now everybody is praying that he makes a full recovery.

Family friend Mrs Kath Bracewell said: "I spoke to Sue and she told me the specialists don't know whether it will take six or 12 months.

"Mick and Sue know that the doctors at Booth Hall will do anything that's needed - and Sue said the one thing Elliot has on his side is his age."

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