A COMMUNITY has been touched by the plight of a six-month-old baby who was born with a severe medical condition.

Connor Rees has been diagnosed with deformational plagiocephaly, which means his head is misshapen.

Also known as flat head syndrome, the youngster now has to wear corrective headgear to re-shape his skull while still at a young age.

But mother, Julie, and father, Chris, were dealt a blow when doctors told them the equipment needed to help their son was not available on the NHS.

"We were devastated when we realised the extent of Connor's condition," said Mrs Rees, 35.

"But then to find out we had to find the money to help him - we didn't know where to turn."

But family and friends pulled together and held charity fundraising events towards the £2,000 needed to pay for the helmet.

Auctions, raffles and tombolas have so far raised about £1,000, including £740 from staff and customers at The Sportsman pub, in Eagles-cliffe.

Supermarket team leader Mrs Rees, from Ingleby Barwick, near Stockton, said: "We have been so touched by everyone's help and support. I don't know where we would be without it."

She told how Connor, who has an older brother Josh, seven, must wear the helmet for 23 hours a day, with 30- minutes respite on a morning and evening.

Mrs Rees said because Connor was diagnosed at such an early age, his bone structure is still forming and doctors in Leeds are hopeful the helmet will be successful.

To say thank you to the staff at the Technology in Motion Clinic at Leeds, Mr Rees' employer at Derek Campbell's Exhaust and Tyre Centre has organised a charity bike ride.

It will be a 25-mile route on Good Friday, April 6, at 10am. Sponsor forms can be collected from the garage at Lockheed Close, Preston Farm Industrial Estate or by calling 01642-853510. All donations will go towards the centre's trust fund.