Parents Sarah and Andrew Naylor revealed how they faced hefty medical bills after baby Thomas was diagnosed with flat head syndrome.

Since the article last week, the family from Ryhope have been overwhelmed with offers and messages of support.

Sunderland fruit and veg trader Matthew Thoburn has handed over £100 after reading about Thomas's plight.

He said: "I have kids myself who have now grown up, so when you read about things like this, when it is not a great deal of money, I thought if I can get the bairn through his treatment sooner rather than later, then it is happy days for everyone."

Seven-month-old Thomas has been diagnosed with plagiocephaly – also known as flat head syndrome – and brachycephaly – where the baby's head is too wide.

Treatment is not available on the NHS, and Andrew, an electrician, and Sarah, a full-time mum, face having to pay £2,000 for a special helmet to correct the problem.

Thomas is now attending a specialist private clinic in Leeds, which also means hefty petrol bills for the family.

On Monday he was fitted with the helmet, which he may have to wear until his second birthday.

Sarah, 31, said: "We are planning a fun day to raise funds for Thomas and one gentleman said he was a children's entertainer, and offered to come along and help out.

"It is amazing. It puts your confidence back into the Sunderland community."

She added: "I've had two people call who are concerned about the same thing and there is one girl who I'm really trying to help.

"If it keeps happening and there is enough publicity about it, there might come a time when treatment is available on the NHS.

"I'd like to thank everyone that has got in touch – massive thanks – and we are really amazed with the response we have had."

The Naylor family can be contacted on tel. 5211 405.