A fundraising campaign has been launched to help Tony Smith and his new family following his harrowing ordeal as a baby.

The Kent Messenger has started a Just Giving page to help give Tony the best possible life and to help out his new parents who were told they were “absolute stars” by a crown court judge.

Baby Tony's two biological parents Tony Smith and Jody Simpson were both jailed for 10 years after they were convicted of child cruelty.

He was just 41 days old when he was taken to a doctor with broken bones in his legs and an infection of septicaemia.

Debbie Bowles, a regular reader of the paper, pledged £100 to our Just Giving page just minutes after it went live.

The retired hospital worker was shocked by the actions of Smith and Simpson and was eager to help the youngster make the most of life with his new family.

Mrs Bowles, from Barming, said: “When my husband and I were reading it we were in tears. It was just horrendous.

“The judge summing up was brilliant and the foster parents are brilliant. We just felt for the little guy.

"He has got a life now with his new family but because of those cruel people it is not the life he should have had.

“He has been adopted by a family but I thought it would be great if Kent could adopt him financially.”

• If you would like to donate to our fundraiser for Tony and his new family click here