Ethan meets new friends (From Warrington Guardian)

Ethan meets new friends

11:55am Thursday 23rd August 2007 in News By Stephen Bailey

ETHAN Connolly was a special guest at the India Independence Day celebrations at the Gateway in the town centre last Wednesday.

And the other children there made a heart-warming gesture of solidarity with the three-year-old.

Ethan has suffered spiteful comments from other children because of his facial deformities - so the youngsters at the Gateway wore specially made T-shirts with the statement: I'm A Friend of Ethan.

Ethan's mum, Karen Bell, of Well Lane, in Penketh, said: "Ethan had a really good time playing with all the other children - he didn't want to come home!"

Usman Bob Stewart, chairman of Warrington Ethnic Community Association, said: "Ethan was straight over playing with the other kids. It was lovely to watch."

Mr Stewart said a collection was made raising more than £400 for Ethan's cause.

The whole event was organised by Warrington over-50s Ethnic Community and the Hindu Cultural Association to celebrate the formation and independence of modern day India and Pakistan.

Karen said there was no new information on Ethan's treatment following the first of his operations on facial cysts in Germany.

The family is meeting consultant Mr Liew at Alder Hey Hospital, Liverpool, tomorrow, Friday, to see what happens next.

Karen said: "Ethan's chin is still swollen. It looks sore but he says it isn't hurting. His blood tests came back and he is anaemic, so he is taking iron and we are waiting for the next lot of bloods to come back."

The Ferry Tavern in Penketh also held an Elvis night to raise money for Ethan.