AN East Lancashire fireman has told how his own personal tragedy led him to spearhead a fundraising campaign for brave toddler Ethan Naisbitt.

Phil Whittaker, green watch manager at Hyndburn Fire Station, has set up a trust fund for Ethan, three, who has to cope with a long list of disabilities.

And Phil, 38, of Barnard Close, Oswaldtwistle, told how he was spurred into action after feeling for Ethan, of Garden Street, Accrington, following the death of his son Joshua aged just 10 weeks due to a heart condition.

Ethan suffered problems with blood circulation in his legs soon after birth and doctors took the tough decision to amputate his left leg.

They went on to diagnose a leak in the left ventricle of his heart, aortic stenosis and a heart murmur and he still suffers from asthma, an under-active thyroid and has factor-v leidon, which causes blood clotting.

On Saturday the first of Phil's fundraising efforts kicked off with a sponsored car wash by firefighters at the Hyndburn Road station.

The money raised will go towards buying the essential, yet costly, prosthetic limbs that Ethan will need for the rest of his life.

Mr Whittaker said: "We got a leaflet through the door from his parents telling us all about Ethan and what he went through.

"The thing is I lost a 10 week old son last year and to hear about Ethan really broke my heart.

"My wife had triplets but unfortunately Joshua was born with a heart condition and sadly passed away.

"I felt we needed to do something for Ethan because he's a cracking little lad and the lads at the station have really taken him to heart. Every fireman is a big softy really.

"I'm hoping we can do many more fundraising events for Ethan and really make a difference."

Ethan's family have been overwhelmed at the response of the Accrington's firefighters.

Mother Ann, 37, said: "It's been fantastic. My husband and I are not used to asking for help but now it's just snowballing.

"I think it really touched Phil because of what he'd been through.

"All their help just goes to show that there are nice, genuine people in this world who are prepared to help."