Readers of the Newcastle Evening Chronicle have raised £10,000 in just two weeks to help buy new legs for a four-year-old boy.

The Chronicle’s Help Will Walk Tall campaign was launched to help raise £20,000 for William Hardy.He had both legs and his left arm amputated after contracting meningitis two years ago.

Although he has learned to walk on his NHS legs, state-of-the-art prosthetic limbs would help him run and swim.

Chronicle journalist Emma Cox said: “We have been carrying an article about the appeal every day for about two weeks now.

“We’ve had a massive response – people have been sending in money and doing sponsored events. Local businesses have got involved by putting up collection tins and a local pub is planning a ‘Grease’ night for the appeal.

“I’ve never known anything like it, it has been absolutely phenomenal. One anonymous pensioner sent in a cheque for £3,000 – people have been really touched by it.

“We’re half way towards getting the first pair of legs and I think the appeal will go on further. I can’t see it slowing down and we’ll keep on raising money for him.”

A fundraising ball has also been planned to help the appeal, hosted by local radio DJ Paul Gough, and retired boxer Billy Hardy is also lending his support.

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