Money raised in memory of a tot who died just before his second birthday has now surpassed the £6,500 mark.

Ewan Knox, of Denton Street, Denton Holme, Carlisle, was born with a rare genetic condition which meant his lungs didn’t develop properly.

Following his death, in April, parents Vicky Anderson and Mike Knox decided to raise money for the Sick Children’s Trust – which provides accommodation for families at Newcastle hospital.

The latest donation has come from family friend Keith Mawson, who used to work with Vicky in the Army Cadets.

The maintenance man, who lives in Consett, County Durham, completed a two-day sponsored mountain trek – taking on the so-called Grand Canyon on the Pennines – after being inspired by brave Ewan’s story and raised £400 for his cause.

Keith, who was joined by partner Karen Mawson on the challenge, said: “When Vicky told us Ewan had passed away, I felt like I needed to do something on her behalf and in Ewan’s memory. Hearing his story about how brave he was was, was so inspiring.

“Vicky told us she had been given a ‘home from home’ run by The Sick Children’s Trust and said how much it had helped her, so doing a trek for the charity in Ewan’s memory seemed appropriate.

“It was challenging and really enjoyable. It took Karen and I four hours to get to the top of the mountain and when we were up there something very moving happened. We saw a couple who were also doing the walk and they were so inspired when we told them about Ewan, they sponsored us.

“Now next year, we are hoping to do another sponsored walk to continue to support Vicky and Michael, and help them thank the Sick Children’s Trust.”

Ewan’s condition, Hallermann–Streiff syndrome, is so rare it affects only about 150 people worldwide.

He had to be resuscitated at birth and spent the first weeks of his life in intensive care at the Great North Children’s Hospital in Newcastle.

Despite his health problems, the vast majority of his short life was spent out of hospital. But when he did need extra care, his parents were able to stay near him thanks to the Sick Children’s Trust.

It runs Crawford House, which provides free accommodation to families whose children are seriously ill in hospital.

Vicky said coming from Cumbria, without Crawford House they would have really struggled when Ewan was in hospital – sometimes for weeks or months at a time. It meant they were able to stay close to him, knowing they could be at his side within minutes.

Being around other families also meant they could support each other through the toughest times.

However to keep Crawford House open, the charity relies on donations. The family’s fundraising total has now exceeded £6,500. To donate visit www.justgiving.com/Vicky-Anderson3, or text EWAN53 and the amount to 70070.