13293/1GAZETTE & HERALD: BRAVE Domonic Ubhie-Webb, who suffers from an incurable genetic disorder, has raised thousands of pounds for a new children's hospital in a sponsored walk.

The eight-year-old was diagnosed at birth as having Beta thalassaemia, a blood disorder similar to sickle cell. But in the past three years he has suffered a series of mysterious attacks that cause him to collapse.

Domonic receives regular treatment at Oxford's John Radcliffe Hospital and he saw plans to redevelop the site on his most recent visit four months ago. His mum Maria said he woke up the next day and told her he wanted to help and came up with the idea of a sponsored walk.

At 10am on Saturday, ten adults and children, including Domonic, walked the six miles from the family home in Lyneham to his grandmother's in Calne.

His stepfather Tim Webb, a farmer, drove a tractor decorated with balloons behind the walkers, who carried collecting buckets. Drivers could also throw cash into the tractor's trailer.

Mrs Ubhie-Webb said a dustbin lorry pulled alongside the convoy and handed over a £10 note for Domonic's appeal.

The youngster's brother Jack, four, also went along. His mum said she he walked to Goatacre, but then had to travel part of the distance in his buggy.

"Domonic enjoyed himself immensely, it was fun for him," said Mrs Ubhie-Webb. "He got to his nan's first and he was very proud that he had managed to do it, while we were all still halfway down the road.

Mrs Ubhie-Webb, who has undergone three back operations and finds it difficult to walk long distances, wore a reinforced corset so she could support her son and take part in the walk.

She estimates Domonic raised nearly £3,000 for the hospital, including £91, which was thrown into the trailer by passing drivers.

Mrs Ubhie-Webb, who works part-time at Wootton's Funeral Directors, in Calne, said she was amazed at the generosity and support Domonic and the walkers had received for their efforts.

"He's got so many friends in the village," she said. "I think everyone thinks he's a bit of a blue eyed angel."