FUNDRAISERS limbered up for a fitness and fun day to raise thousands to thank a hospital which is caring for a two-year-old boy battling a rare and aggressive form of cancer. 

At the end of last year, Southend youngster Hugo Farrington was diagnosed with neuroblastoma. 

His parents, Morgan Gildea and Lee Farrington, said he was a happy and energetic boy before he fell ill in October. 

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Weeks later he was diagnosed with cancer.

Hugo has since been undergoing treatment which has seen his tumour start to shrink.

Jay Ballinger, a close relative of the family, held a charity event on Saturday to raise money for Great Ormond Street Hospital in London for their help in supporting Hugo.

The fitness and fun day event ended up raising £12,628.

She told the Echo: “We are all absolutely amazing, and so grateful for the support we had at the weekend.

“The whole day was immense, the atmosphere was electric, and everybody was in good spirits.

“We can’t believe how much we have managed to raise; we are just shocked at how everyone has pulled together and done something like this.

“Myself and Hugo’s parents, are so grateful.

The event, organised by Jay, was at Mill Hall Arts and Events Centre in Rayleigh, and included fitness sessions, activities for children, penalty shootouts, as well as a party in the evening.

Jay added that Hugo’s parents are overwhelmed with the support from the community in recent weeks.

She said: “Hugo is due to have an operation any day now, they are hoping to remove some of the tumour as it has shrunk to a degree which is good.

“He will then continue his treatment from there.

“Morgan and Lee are over the moon with the support, and they cannot believe how much we have managed to raise.

“They are so grateful and overwhelmed with how everyone has come together for Hugo.”

To donate, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/hugs4hugo