AROUND 70 people braved chilly conditions on Saturday to take part in a sponsored walk to raise money for a toddler with an incurable genetic disease.

The walk, from Holme Wood Library to Bowling Park, was part of ongoing efforts to raise money to help the family of four-month-old Bonnie Rose O’Callaghan bring her home from hospital.

Bonnie Rose was born with Microvillus Inclusion Disease (MVID) - an ultra-rare genetic disorder which affects the small intestine, the same disease her two elder siblings Gerry-Lee and Precious-Marie both suffered from before dying aged 11 months and 19 months, respectively.

To help Bonnie Rose’s mother Mary O’Callaghan bring her daughter home, family friend Michelle Puttock organised Saturday’s sponsored walk to help raise money.

The group of around 70 people, including many young children, took on the two-mile trek to Bowling Park, carrying signs to raise awareness of their campaign.

When the group arrived at Bowling Park, the children were presented with certificates for their efforts, and walkers were given refreshments to help them warm up, thanks to community group e:merge.

Michelle Puttock, who organised the walk, said: “We were very pleased with the turnout.

“It was nice to see the community coming together, and we also had Bonnie Rose’s grandmother and grandfather who joined us on the walk and some of her siblings.

“Before counting the money raised on the walk, we have raised just short of £1,000 so far just from donations, and we also have other community events planned.

“We have received money from people from all over the place who have donated to us.”

Ms Puttock said that the family is currently “taking each day as it comes” with Bonnie Rose’s health.

“She was unstable last week and the doctors are trying to get her stable so she can come home,” she added.

“At the moment, we are just taking each day as it comes.”

Bonnie-Rose is currently being cared for at Leeds General Infirmary and has also been referred to a hospital in London.

A family fun day has also been planned to raise money for Bonnie Rose, which will take place at Tyersal Club on Saturday, April 1, and to donate to the campaign visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/mary-ocallaghan-1.