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Brave Robbie all fired up by station visit
A little boy who lost both his legs to meningitis has enjoyed a VIP treat thanks to Sunderland's firefighters.
Robbie Jones was given a guided tour of North Moor Fire Station after crews read about his brave fight for life.
The three-year-old, whose favourite show is Fireman Sam, seemed won over by the visit, particularly the station's fire engines.
Crews on Green Watch invited him to the station and presented his family with cash raised in a whip-round by everyone from cleaners to admin staff.
Mum Jill, 29, of Bowburn, said: "We'd like to thank them for the fund-raising and letting Robbie come here today.
"He loves fire engines so it's an experience he will never forget."
Robbie and his big sister Abbie, five, saw pictures of fires, the firemen's pole and even got to ride in the engine with the siren and blue lights turned on.
He contracted meningitis in July 2008, and doctors had to amputate his legs and the fingertips on his left hand to prevent the spread of septicaemia.
It has been a terrible time for parents Jill and Wayne, 35, who thought their son was going to die. But the couple now describe him as "a very happy little boy".
So far, more 105,000 has been raised to help pay for Robbie's prosthetic limbs and the extra care he needs.
The youngster's first pair of limbs cost 10,000 and he'll need new ones fitted as he grows up and his body changes shape.
Firefighter John Mclachlan said: "I heard about Robbie from my wife's friend, who is his aunt.
"Having a little boy myself, it tugged on the heart strings.
"When I saw his picture on his mum and dad's wedding day, when he walked down the aisle, I thought it was amazing that he was still smiling after everything he had been through. We just wanted to do something to help."
The fund-rasing continues with the next big event at Durham Gala Theatre on April 24.
For more information go to www.robbie-jones.co.uk
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Weather for Sunderland
Saturday 04 February 2012
Today
Light sleet showers
Temperature: -1 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: South
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Sunny spells
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