FAMILIES and businesses across York donned blue in support of a little boy with an ultra-rare genetic condition.

Blake Knaggs, of Huntington, is one of only 57 children worldwide to be diagnosed as suffering from Mucolipidosis II ML2 (MPS).

The condition means the 14-month-old has a missing enzyme which causes progressive physical disability and affects many of the major organs.

“Wear blue for Blake’s genes day” saw schools including Headlands, Ralph Butterfield and St Aelred’s, and local businesses, don blue for the day to raise funds in support of Blake and his family.

Sarah Wright, head teacher at Headlands Primary School, said they had raised £140 taking part as there was a local connection with the family. She said: “The children quite like a non-uniform day with a purpose and they really got into the spirit of helping a local family.”

Children at Ralph Butterfield Primary School raised £455 for the cause, having decided to take part after pupils Lily Cakaunitabua and Ryan Croft, both ten, wrote to the head teacher to ask for the school to book it.

Staff in the editorial department of The Press wore blue, along with staff at Haxby Group Pharmacy and Sainsbury’s in Haxby.

Funds raised on will go towards the Society for Mucopolysaccharide Diseases to fund research of the condition, while some will go to Martin House Children’s Hospice, where Blake has stayed, and some will be used to create a sensory room full of stimulating colour and light at Blake’s home.

Blake’s parents and their friends and relatives hope the campaign will prolong Blake’s life with their campaign but also help other children born with MPS.