THE family of a baby who was born with his intestines on the outside of his body are appealing for community support.

Christine Paddock is determined to make life easier for her newborn grandson Keo and his parents, Abbie Higbee and Mike Wray.

She is hosting a fundraising event on Friday at The Ferrybridge Pub, Weymouth, and is urging the public to get involved.

Life has been difficult for the new family since little Keo was born on Monday, June 30, with gastroschisis – a condition which means the intestines grow on the outside of the body.

Parents Abbie, 20, and Mike, 25, were told by doctors that the youngster could be kept in hospital for three months.

And to make matters worse they are unable to stay in any of the family rooms at Southampton Hospital, which are already full.

Money raised will go towards helping Keo and his parents with the rest of the money and the intensive care children’s unit at Southampton Hospital.

Grandmother Christine told the Echo: “Abbie has been discharged from hospital but Keo still needs to be there and they have nowhere to stay.

“They are going to book into a B&B but it is expensive to do that and for food.

“The event I’m hosting will help to ease that pressure.”

She added:“Keo hasn’t been fed since he was born. It is very worrying.”

Little Keo has undergone surgery in the past few days to put his intestines back inside his body.

He is the couple’s first child and his dad Mike works as a chef in Weymouth.

The event starts at 8pm and the Dr Robert band will be playing for free.

Businesses are being urged to donate raffle prizes and all donations are welcome.

Any money left over will go to the intensive care children’s unit at Southampton.

Raffle tickets are on sale now and there will be entertainment and a ‘slave for the day’ fundraiser.

For more details email christine paddock@hotmail.co.uk.