A COMMUNITY pulled together to enjoy two days of fantastic fundraising events for a little boy with a rare disease.

More than 500 people flocked to the fun days for Halstead toddler William Martin on Sunday and Monday, in Earls Colne.

William, who is 15 months old, has Angelman syndrome which means he cannot sit, talk, eat or sleep well.

His parents, Kelly and Tim Martin, of Stanstead Road, hope to buy equipment to install a sensory room at home for him.

Family friend Julie Cass, landlady of the Castle Pub, in Earls Colne, organised the events to coincide with her pub’s annual fundraising drive.

By yesterday, more than £4,000 had been raised through the raffle, barbecues, balloon release, live concert, tug of war and other events.

Mrs Cass was overwhelmed by how well the two days went.

She said: “To see the 99 balloons fly up in the air was absolutely amazing, a sea of colour.

“William just sat there and was so excited at the colours.

“He had a wonderful day. He was tired, but he was such a good little boy. Everybody just loved him and loved meeting him.”

Chris McGlasham won the greasy pole competition, while Kurt Manders’ team triumphed at the tug of war. Mike Bartlett won the 30-minute flight from Earls Colne airfield in the raffle, and both the winner of the £150 prize, and the winner of the cocker spaniel picture donated their proceeds back to the fund.

Dick and Adele O’Brien won free beer for a year in the King and Queen of the Castle competition, which equates to two beers a week each. Drinkers voted for them, after they answered a series of questions.

Mrs Cass added: “The whole community pulled together. It was just amazing. There’s no other community like it.”

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