TWO caring Port mums have amassed an army of volunteers to march through the town in aid of a special three-year-old boy.

The Tele told last month how little Arran Deegan — who has Type 2 Spinal Muscular Atrophy — needs £50,000 to help have his life transformed.

Now local women Julie Docherty and Nicola Reilly have organised a mass sponsored walk to help his family reach that target.

They want as many people as possible to step forward and support their ‘Arran’s Army’ fundraising efforts this Sunday.

Julie, a teacher at St Andrew’s Primary School in Greenock, said: “The wee fella is in desperate need but if we all put something in we can really help him.

“It’s a lot of money but if everyone plays a part it could be achieved.” Nicola said: “This is an opportunity to do something really good, and I hope that people throughout Inverclyde can help.

“Let’s all do something extra special for Arran.” We told last month how Arran’s dad, Jason, hails from Port Glasgow and now lives with the little lad and his mum, Andrea, in Ontario, Canada.

Arran’s medical condition inhibits his ability to walk, stand or even crawl and his parents are on a crusade to raise money to help adapt their small bungalow to accommodate his wheelchair.

Nicola — who, along with Julie, went to St Stephen’s High School with Jason — said: “They don’t have the same benefits system in Canada as we have here and the family is pretty much on their own.

“We’ve got around 30 people, including other former St Stephen’s pupils and their children, taking part in our sponsored walk.” Julie — a good friend of Jason — told how Arran’s diagnosis had been ‘heartbreaking’ for his family.

She said: “Arran has a lot to contend with and he deserves a lifestyle that gives him that bit of independence and happiness.” Jason, who grew up in the Port’s Montrose Avenue has told how his wife has had to give up work to be their son’s full-time carer — which has severely limited the family’s finances.

He says he is ‘deeply touched’ by Julie and Nicola’s efforts from so far away.

Arran’s Army will be walking from Montrose Avenue to Coronation Park and back again at 1.30pm this Sunday.

To make a donation visit www.curesma.ca/donate.htm and click ‘donate online’ then select ‘Arran’s Army’ from the drop-down menu.