A CHARITY set up in memory of a toddler who died last year has bought a hospitality box at Blackburn Rovers to be used by terminally ill children and their families.

The Poppy-Mai Foundation has raised tens of thousands of pounds since the death of 17-month-old Poppy-Mai Barnard last May.

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Parents Andy and Sammi Barnard, who are from the Infirmary area of Blackburn, set up the charity and have a long-term aim of creating Poppy’s Field, a centre which will support children with grave illnesses.

The foundation is looking at land in the Ribble Valley to build the centre but is still awaiting a charity number which would give it access to increased funding avenues.

In the meantime a box has been purchased for the remainder of the season at Ewood Park where families can enjoy a special day out, free of charge.

Mr Barnard said: “The Poppy-Mai Foundation is proud to announce that it has bought a private box at Blackburn Rovers.

“This is for terminally sick children in hospital or hospice or being nursed at home to make memories with their family.

“Poppy’s Field will not happen over night so this is us putting back into the community while we await our sanctuary.

“We’ve linked up with Derian House to get referrals and those attending will get a lovely meal and the chance to watch a top football game in comfort.

“There’s around 10 home matches left this season and if it goes well then we will look whether the box can be purchased again for next season “We’ve had to restrict who it will be available to so it will only be used for children with terminal conditions.”

Mr Barnard said Rovers were very supportive of the family during Poppy-Mai’s illness and the family has been invited to the club’s training complex while she was ill.

Fans also paid tribute to her with a minute’s applause.

Her inspirational but tragic story was detailed by her parents on the social media site on ‘The Journal Of Poppy-Mai’.

She died 10 weeks after being diagnosed with a progressive malignant rhabdoid tumour and brain tumour.

During her battle and since she died, thousands of supporters have raised money for Poppy’s Field.

Anyone who would like to nominate a suitable child to use the box for a game during the remainder of Rovers’ season is asked to contact thepmf@outlook.com, or the ‘Journal of Poppy Mai’ Facebook page.