The Bermuda community has rallied around a three-year-old boy from the UK battling a serious childhood cancer.

Dozens of residents heard about the plight of Dean Pulpett — whose parents lived on the Island five years ago and were active members of the Bermuda Squash Rackets Association — and wanted to do something to help.

Dean suddenly developed a serious cancer called Neuroblastoma, which affects children between the ages of one and two.

Just weeks ago Dean's parents, Jane and Tony, believed he was a normal, healthy little boy and were shocked to learn he had a large tumour in his abdomen, which had spread to the lymphatic system and his bones.

Gary Ince, an architect with Conyers and Associates, helped with the campaign and ran in the May 24 Half-Marathon to raise money for the family.

He said: "The Pupletts were an important part of the Bermuda Squash Rackets Association and we wanted to help in any way we could. This has been a real community effort and though it is hard when you are so far away to physically support them, we could still help financially."

Rhonda Rawlins, the Head of Department for PE and Health at Berkeley Institute, raised $400 by going around to teachers in the school and telling them about the cause.

Ms Rawlins, also a member of the squash association, she wanted to help with this family as it is devastating news to have a child who is sick.

All together more than 70 people have donated and $4,300 has been gathered for the child.

The money will help the Pulpett family with travel costs and to improve the quality of life for Dean. It is also hoped they could use it to enjoy some family time together.

Residents Corey Powell and Tara Bothello set up the process for the donations and David Elliott coordinated the collection at the squash club.

According to Mr. Powell, Dean has a very poor prognosis and since diagnosis has undergone one of the initial seven planned cycles of chemotherapy. This period of chemotherapy will last for 70 days — and Dean is being treated every ten days with an intense form of treatment.

The fund-raisers thanked everyone who sponsored their efforts and Dean's account will remain open for those who would like to continue donating.

l To help you can contact T.banshee@logic.bm">T.banshee@logic.bm for more information.