THE aunt of a child who is suffering from a rare genetic condition has been nominated for an award by his parents.

Blake Knaggs was diagnosed with the incurable Mucolipidosis II ML2 (MPS) in April last year, when tests showed he had an enlarged heart and shadows on his lungs.

He is one of only 57 children worldwide to have ever been diagnosed with the condition.

His parents, Louise and Paul Knaggs, of Huntington, York, have since attempted to raise awareness of the condition and have applauded the efforts of Louise’s sister, Joanne Addinall, who has led fundraising efforts for the 15-month-old, and nominated her for Community Pride’s Charity Fundraiser of the Year.

Mrs Knaggs, 33, said: “We had to tell all our family about Blake’s diagnosis which was also very upsetting for everyone.

“My sister and Blake’s auntie Joanne was heartbroken.

“That evening Jo rang me and said she wanted to plan a charity auction evening to raise money for research into Blake’s condition.

“That is when it all began.

“Jo began planning and organising the auction. She wrote letters to businesses, made lots of phone calls, drew up posters and organised interviews to advertise the event.

“She did all this while also working and being a fantastic mother to her two daughters.”

After weeks of planning, the auction took place in November and raised £9,500.

Mrs Addinall of Haxby, followed this up with a Blue For Blake day in February when schools and businesses across York all wore something bearing the colour and managed to raise £4,100.

Mrs Knaggs said: “There’s no stopping her now and she is already planning a family fun day for summer and an old-fashioned family sports day in May.

“We feel Jo is a very worthy person for this award and it will also show her how much we appreciate everything she has and is doing for us.

“She is not only my sister but she is also my best friend and we couldn’t have got through this last year without her.”

Community Pride is run by The Press and the City of York Council, and the principal sponsor is Benenden.

All nominees must live in, or contribute to life in,the City of York c area. Around three finalists from each category will be invited to the awards ceremony at York Racecourse in October, when the winners will be revealed.

You can make a nomination online at yorkpress.co.uk/communitypride/. Entries must be submitted by Friday, July 17.