THE family of a Burnley teenager fundraising for a lodge so parents can stay close to their children while they are being treated.

Ethan Hunt, 16, fell ill in February this year with sepsis. It was initially thought he had flu but he suffered a cardiac arrest and went into a coma.

People across Burnley rallied to support Ethan and his family after his legs were amputated to try to save his life.

Ethan died at Wythenshawe Hospital in March with his parents and sister at his bedside.

Now, his family have received a £5,000 boost after 22 teams took part in a charity six-a-side tournament at Burnley Belvedere FC.

A total of £2,690 was raised on the day, with the Eric Wright Charitable Trust match funding the amount to take the overall total to £5,190.

Ethan’s sister Jodie-Leigh said: “We are so grateful for the support of Eric Wright and so many local people.

"We know that the money raised will help support many families who are experiencing what we faced.

"We now hope to set up our own charity in Ethan’s name and our future goal is to honour his memory with a lodge for bereaved parents to use”

Diane McKinley, chartered building surveyor from Eric Wright Facilities Management, added: “This was all for a great cause and we want to say a huge thank you to everyone who took part and contributed donations and their time and especially to Ethan’s family for their support.

“The money raised along with that from our recent charity golf day supporting Derian House, totals more than £9,000, showing our commitment to support the communities and causes that sit closely to our staff and projects.”

Penny Hamer, senior corporate fundraising manager for Wythenshawe Hospital Charity said “We’re incredibly thankful to all the employees at Eric Wright Facilities Management for raising such a fantastic amount for our hospital at their charity football event.

"The fundraising is a lovely tribute to Ethan and will make a big difference to poorly patients treated at Wythenshawe Hospital.”

Ethan’s family were involved right from the start in joining our committee to organise the event and his friends even joined together to enter a team.

It was a tremendous team effort from Eric Wright Facilities Management, Ethan’s family, and local businesses who either took part in the event or kindly donated raffle prizes.

Belvedere and Calder Vale Sports Club gave free use of their facilities and Burnley FC in the Community who we are Bronze Patrons for sponsorship of the Turf Works programme.