A BABY has been struck down with an illness affecting only one in every 40,000 children.

Katie Brundrett is suffering from Cornelia De Lange Syndrome, a condition characterised by slow mental and physical development, and faces an uncertain future.

The 15-month-old is the daughter of former York Acorn ARLFC player Kevin Brundrett, 36, and her condition has led to his former teammates organising a charity night to raise funds for the youngster.

The club is hosting a day of entertainment and a barbecue this Sunday to try and make life financially easier for the family.

Mr Brundrett’s wife Danielle, 38, told The Press: “Her diagnosis means her growth is slow, she struggles to put weight on and is delayed mentally and physically.

“She’s 15-months-old but is currently at the stage of a five-month-old baby.

“It’s not a life threatening condition for Katie, but she struggles day to day.”

Mrs Brundrett, who quit her job in a tea room to care for her daughter full time, says she has been staggered by the Acomb rugby league club’s offer.

“We can’t believe it,” she added.

“The support we’ve been given is quite overwhelming.

“It’s a worrying time for us.

“She has an operation in June on her tear ducts and hopefully that will be the end of the operations for now.”

A spokesman for the Thanet Road club said: “The club would like to open the invitation up to all the North Yorkshire rugby league family to participate in the day. “The day will include various singers and entertainers, a barbecue if the weather permits, and the main event, a prestigious kicking competition, where it is hoped to find the county’s best goal kicker.

“There will be lots going on.”

The rugby league outfit hopes to hold annual fundraisers for a variety of chosen charities, which will be picked by the club hosting the event.

The spokesman added: “It is hoped that the whole rugby league family in North Yorkshire will get behind this so it can become an annual RL charity event for all the clubs.

“Most importantly though this year’s event is for Katie.”

The Thanet Road doors open at noon on Sunday and entry is free.