BY PETE HENSHAW

COURAGEOUS Crewe father Neil Spruce has renewed his appeal for donations to help him trek to Kenya in the name of his son.

The 33-year-old from Crewe is hoping to embark on the trip in June this year after being inspired by his son Ashley, who died from cot death aged just 12 weeks, and Ashley's twin brother Gregory, who is now two-years-old.

The trip to Kenya will raise much needed funds for the Foundation of Study into Infant Death but Neil needs to amass at least £2,500 to be able to go.

That amount is ever closer now after regulars at Neil's local pub, The Cumberland Arms, have raised more than £1,000 for the cause.

Tenants at the Middlewich Road pub, Andrew and Mandy Cave, have organised a series of fund-raising events including disco nights, raffles and charity auctions.

Andrew said: "Everyone has been really supportive and very generous in raising money for Neil's trip, we may only be a small pub but we have got a big heart and the regulars will go out of their way to help."

The GUARDIAN featured Neil and mother Sharon's crusade last year when they paid tribute to the ambulance and hospital workers who fought so hard to save Ashley's life.

Ashley died unexpectedly in January 1999 after being born in October of the previous year: "After he died they worked for 45 minutes to get his heart going again," Neil said.

"The paramedics and the staff were amazing and they gave me a chance to be with him," he added.

Neil is planning to be in Kenya for June 2001 where the challenge will take him up, Mount Longonot, a 2,220 foot volcano and around roughly 100km of Kenyan countryside.

Anyone who wishes to donate to Neil's cause can contact him on 501011.