A KIND-hearted painter has offered to decorate the bedroom of a little boy with a terminal illness for free after reading his mum’s desperate plea for help in the Star.

Three-year-old Caelan Bluck, from Haydock, has a rare condition called infantile Pompe disease, which is a genetic muscle weakness disease caused by the build up of complex sugars.

Most people with the condition do not survive past a few months old.

His mum, Toni Bluck, who has been by his side at the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, put out a plea for help last month to create his perfect bedroom for when they eventually go home - which has received £1,475 in donations.

However, Caelan’s story touched the heart of dad-of-one Carl Starr from Sutton Junction, who decided to offer his services for free. He will work with Toni to paint a mural with Caelan’s favourite cartoon characters on the walls of his bedroom - meaning that the donations can now go towards sensory equipment for Caelan.

Carl, 51, said: “When I saw the article in the Star, something hit me and I got really upset looking at this lovely innocent little lad going through a horrible thing that’s just not fair.

“My heart just went out to his mum and I decided I wanted to help them, so it’s made my day that she is happy with that because at times in my life I’ve had strangers help me and I believe that if you can help someone, no matter how small, then you should.

“I believe in loving and helping one another, especially children fighting against illnesses like Caelan, so I’m thrilled to help him and his mum whenever they are ready.”

Toni and Caelan are currently waiting to see if their house is suitable for them to take him home due to his care needs. If not they may have to move before his dream room can become a reality.

Toni, 21, added: “I never really expected anyone to offer their support and after I put a post out asking for help people have really come forward.

“I’m a single mum and we don’t have anyone else so it’s amazing that Carl has come forward offering this.

“When Caelan gets poorly he will be spending a lot of of time in his room, so I want it to be a lovely space for him that makes him happy.

“I know if I had to spend my time in a room, I’d want it to be of interest to myself and to make me feel happy and comfortable, so that’s what I want for Caelan.

“The money raised can now go to sensory equipment for him which he loves, I can’t thank Carl enough.”

n To donate to the fundraising page visit

bit.ly/2rEEe9x