The tragic death of a five-month-old baby boy has forged a remarkable community spirit between neighbours, leading to the launch today of an appeal for life-saving hospital equipment in Bradford.

Luke Joseph Mollett died in an accident in July last year from head injuries after his pram fell down steps at his home in Firth Road, Heaton.

His devastated mum, Alison Emmott, who had been preparing a bottle of milk for him at the time, ran screaming into the street but neighbours who rushed to help were unable to revive the youngster.

The terrible episode formed a bond between the neighbours who had previously only passed each other on the street and they all pitched in to help Miss Emmott through the following weeks and months.

Now that spirit is being channelled into raising £15,000 in memory of Luke for vital hi-tech equipment in the accident and emergency department at Bradford Royal Infirmary.

Miss Emmott, 29, who has another son, Louis, six, said the group wanted Luke's memory to live on.

Luke, who appeared briefly in a scene in TV soap Emmerdale when he was six weeks old, had brought enormous joy to his family and friends while he was alive.

Miss Emmott, who is still struggling to come to terms with his death, said she would not have been able to cope without the support of her neighbours as well as family and friends which was why the Luke Joseph Appeal logo used the words 'bringing people closer'.

"We decided we wanted to do something positive from Luke's death," she said. "His death has brought so many people closer together and we've all become close friends.

"Before, we just passed each other on the street and that was it. But when this happened we ended up in the front room of the neighbour's house trying to resuscitate him.

"I really don't know what I would have done without them as they have been such a close support and it's nice to know they are all there - whenever I have needed them they have been fantastic."

Joy Walton, a former colleague and one of those helping with the appeal, urged other people to help to raise the £15,000.

"We just want other people to get involved as well," she said.

"All these friends have come together who haven't been together before and we want to do something positive for the Bradford area."

Among the fund-raising events will be a children's disco at the First Martyr's Church, Heaton, on Friday, April 3, but the main event will be Luke's Walk of the Three Peaks on July 5, the anniversary of his death.

Donations can be paid in to the Luke Joseph Appeal at any Abbey National branch, account number K5935105EMM.

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