A regional daily’s campaign to raise £5,000 to create a sensory room for a poorly youngster has more than doubled its original target.

The Hartlepool Mail launched its Callum’s Dream appeal, to help 23-month-old Callum Smith, who suffers from a range of conditions, including epilepsy.

His parents, Zoe Neesam and Luke Smith, wanted to create a sensory room for Callum to help his development and the paper joined forces with Epilepsy Outlook to launch the campaign.

Just two months after its launch which was reported by HTFP in July, the campaign total stands at around £11,000 after many kind-hearted donations from Mail readers, as well as sponsored walks, fun days, and local businesses.

Mail editor Joy Yates said: “Hartlepool Mail readers always demonstrate a true sense of community spirit and once again they have shown their generosity by contributing to our Callum’s Dream appeal.

“We are thrilled with the response and to more than double our original fundraising target is incredible. Callum’s family are overwhelmed and are extremely grateful for the support.”