A CARING community is rallying round to help the family of a toddler seriously injured in a road accident outside his home.

The hearts of friends and neighbours have gone out to Michael and Susan Donlon who are keeping a vigil at the bedside of their son in Leeds General Hospital.

Two-year-old Elliot suffered severe head injuries when he was hit by a car in Dill Hall Lane, Church, ten days ago.

His condition was today described as "stable" in the children's intensive care unit.

Elliot's parents are customers at the Greyhound Inn, Whalley Road, where Mrs Donlon worked as a barmaid.

Friend and neighbour Mrs Barbara Iveson said: "The night after the accident, we were all sitting in the pub.

"Everyone was really distraught. It's a small community and we thought about what we could do to help.

"One of the lads got a pint pot and put a tenner in it and said all we could do was help financially."

Within 48 hours, the spur-of- the-moment whip-round at the Greyhound collected more than £150.

Now Mrs Iveson is spearheading a raffle to be drawn at the pub's quiz night on Wednesday.

Local businesses and individuals have donated prizes and ticket sales have already raised around £300.

Mrs Anne Eastwood, licensee of the Greyhound with husband, Paul, said: "The response to the raffle has been tremendous.

"It could be any of our children and, in a small way, we hope we are helping.

"Petrol is needed to get to the hospital. Who knows what Elliot may need and there are still bills coming through the door."

Other fund-raisers are being planned at Enfield Cricket Club.

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