A BRAVE group of fundraisers are set to raise thousands of pounds for a Prestwich boy with severe brain damage.

Five-year-old Hugo Orrell fell ill while visiting Spain with his mum Kelly Dronsfield and sister Penelope last July.

Kelly, 30, said: “Less than one week into the holiday, Hugo was rushed into hospital suffering from seizures.

“This was his first ever episode and he has always been a perfectly healthy little boy.

“At the hospital, the medical team managed to stabilise Hugo and a CT scan was performed, which didn’t pick up any problems with his brain.

“He was sedated and put on a ventilator as he was in a critical state and was unable to breathe on his own.

“Once Hugo was stabilised, the doctors arranged for him to be transferred to a hospital with a paediatric intensive care unit, better equipped to help him.

“Sadly, during the process for his transfer, the team had failed to ensure Hugo was being ventilated, which caused him to go into cardiac arrest, and due to the lack of oxygen to the brain, he was left with severe brain damage.”

The family was flown home and Hugo began treatment at the Royal Manchester Royal Children’s, where he has spent months receiving intense rehabilitation and treatment including hydrotherapy, which costs £60 per session.

On Saturday, July 10, 12 friends will be taking on The National Three Peaks Challenge which involves scaling Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowden - the three highest peaks of Scotland, England and Wales - within 24 hours.

“Hugo has a long road ahead and we want to help him and the family to raise funds to get these treatments,” said Team Hugo member Amy Green.

“We have had a great response so far and local businesses are supporting us as best they can, we still need help to raise funds to cover the transport costs but we are working tirelessly to get the best outcome for Hugo. His bravery is what is inspiring us to proceed with this challenge.”

To support Team Hugo go to: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/team-hugo-007