A RAMSBOTTOM family has paid tribute to supporters after they raised £1,700 to go towards buying a specialised pram for their 17-month-old son.

Rochelle and Timothy Followes, of Bowker Street, held a fun day at Ramsbottom Pentecostal Church to help raise funds for Zachariah.

The youngster needs 24-hour care as he suffers from global development delay, although his condition has not been fully diagnosed.

The fun day on Saturday was well supported, with a bring and buy sale, face painting and a raffle, and refreshments being served.

Supporters responded to their appeal for items to be used as part of the ‘bring and buy’ event, with the stall being well stocked.

The family originally set a fundraising target of £3,000, but have now surpassed that goal.

They also hope to raise enough money to buy therapy benches, physiotherapy wedges and crash mats for physiotherapy.

Rochelle said: "It went really well. We raised about £1,700 on the day, but overall, we have raised £4,200. It has been amazing, and we want to thank everyone for their support."

As well as the fundraising support, two charities have also pledged to help the family.

The Bridge Bentley Ramsbottom Trust has offered to support the fundraising mission, and Trewan Sands Children’s Trust is working to organise the family a holiday.

Global developmental delay is a general term to describe the condition which can affect children during their development period, between being born and being 18-years-old.

It means that Zachariah, who is severely visually impaired, needs extra support reaching milestones, and it can take a lot longer to reach them.

Describing his condition, Rochelle, who is required to provide round-the-clock care, said: “Everyday life is very different for Zachariah. With his condition he can’t do as much as other children.

“We want to make sure we can buy the necessary equipment for him and a specialised buggy which he really needs."