Offers to help a blind toddler travel to Thailand for life-changing stem cell treatment have flooded in since the Mercury dedicated its front page to the appeal.

Deal Ice Breakers, the group which runs the annual Boxing Day Dip, and the Rotary Club of Deal are among the organisations offering to contribute to little Freddie Penny’s appeal.

The 23-month-old has septo-optic dysplasia. The condition means his optic nerves are undeveloped, causing blindness.

His mum, Robyn Gough, 23, from Deal, is trying to raise £25,000 to take him to the Unique Access hospital in Bangkok, where a 14-day therapy course could restore his sight.

Miss Gough said: “After Freddie appeared on the front page of the Mercury, I’ve had so many kind people contacting me wanting to show their support.

“A sweet lady named Brenda wanted to give Freddie a cheque in person and the organisers of the Boxing Day Dip have also been in touch.

“The amount of support Freddie is receiving from family, friends and even strangers is really overwhelming.

“It’s so heart-warming to know that there are still so many kind and loving people in this world.

“I cannot thank them enough. It means so much and I really appreciate it.”

Margaret Edwards, of Deal Ice Breakers has confirmed Freddie’s appeal will be their main charity for this year’s dip.

She said: “We like to support 6local good causes and we try and choose smaller ones like this.

“This little boy needs our support and we think it would be fantastic to help him hopefully be able to see his mum.”

The Rotary Club of Deal has also pledged to support the appeal.

President Paul Robbins said: “We read about Freddie in the paper and we were all moved by his story.

“His appeal fits in with the sorts of things we like to offer our support to.”

Registration for this year’s dip is now open. Visit dealicebreakers.co.uk to sign up and download a sponsor form.