Despite all fundraising events having to be cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, the £3,000 target for a trail in memory of a little boy who died of cancer has been reached.

The projected budget of £3,000 for phase one of the Branden's Trail Project at Bridport Primary School has be raised, made possible by a number of generous donations from across the community.

Branden Wayland was diagnosed with cancer when he was three-years-old. He died two years later.

Next to the early years' classroom, where he was taught, is an area now largely derelict, with a sign proclaiming 'Branden's Trail'.

Phase one of the project seeks to ensure that Branden is once again remembered through the revitalisation of his memorial, a legacy to other young children with the creation of a sensory garden and therapy trail.

Donations towards phase one have come from Bridport Lions Club, Bridport Rotary, Bridport Town Council, Brit Valley Rotary, Friends of Bridport Primary, Waitrose Community Fund, West Bay Car Boot Fund, and Bridport Young Persons' Action Trust (BYPAT) charity which is also co-ordinating the project.

More than £500 has also been received from a number of individual donors who have asked to remain anonymous.

After such good news, the reality that the budget - set before the coronavirus - was based on the wealth of voluntary help that had also been offered.

Arthur Woodgate, project co-ordinator of BYPAT, said: "We do understand that what might once have been possible may no longer possible and have every sympathy for those who have suffered in any way because of the virus.

"The impact has been such that, for a while, it looked as though Branden's Trail quite possibly wouldn't happen."

To the rescue came Bridport Town Council and town surveyor, Daryl Chambers.

Already a Bridport Rights Respecting project, Branden's Trail has now been declared the town council's 'community project of the year'.

Work on the site will now begin in the spring, based on plans drawn up by Bridport Gardening Club member Sarah Herring, and the ideas of the school children.

A previous partnership between the town council and the PYPAT charity produced the award-winning West Bay Play Area, and Mr Woodgate heaped praise on Mr Chambers for his outstanding work throughout the community.

The funding appeal continues for phase two, the development of a hard surfaced area adjoining the trail, ensuring an all-weather area of calm refuge for children struggling with aspects of life.

For more information, contact Arthur on [email protected] or call 01308 423767.