An annual open farm event will be raising money for a children's hospice in memory of a baby who died from a treatable genetic condition.

Eastern Daily Press: A family fun day at Manor Farm in Fundenhall promises a day of activities to raise money for two children's charities, EACH and NICU. Photo: Carrie BurridgeA family fun day at Manor Farm in Fundenhall promises a day of activities to raise money for two children's charities, EACH and NICU. Photo: Carrie Burridge (Image: Archant)

Manor Farm in Fundenhall is opening its gates to the public and school groups for a day of activities and events, including meet and greets with the animals.

All of this is to raise money for East Anglia's Children's Hospices (EACH), which cared for James Thorndyke and helped his parents, Susie Ash and Justin Thorndyke, towards the end of his short life and the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Norwich and Norfolk University Hospital.

The couple, from Forncett St Mary, near Diss, have received unending support from the hospice since their son James died last year.

James died before his first birthday from Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID) which could have been detected with a simple £2.50 test.

Eastern Daily Press: Baby James Thorndyke and his mother Susie Ash. James died just before his first birthday of a rare genetic condiditon - severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID). Photo: SubmittedBaby James Thorndyke and his mother Susie Ash. James died just before his first birthday of a rare genetic condiditon - severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID). Photo: Submitted (Image: Archant)

Organiser Carrie Burridge said: 'Open Farm Sunday is a family day out and we feel is the best opportunity to both raise money for the two fantastic charities and also remember baby James.

'The day is going to be every little child's dream day with lots of tractors to climb upon, animals to meet, greet and feed, watch the cows be milked by robots, a sheep shearing demonstration, cookery demo, entertainment stage providing entertainment all day long and a live band taking over from 4.30pm and playing in to the evening.

'We are working really hard to provide local families with a day that will educate them and excite them about British farming and food production. All whilst raising money and most importantly remembering little James.'

The NICU at NNUH cared for Mrs Burridge's children, Jenson and Aryton, who both had complications after being born so it holds a special place in her family's heart.

She added: 'NICU has helped my two boys and also our colleagues Mark and Aisha's little girl Hannah. So we are passionate about giving back and raising some money for the unit.'

The open day at Manor Farm takes place on Sunday, June 10 and last year welcomed more than 4,000 people.

It costs £5 per car and opens from 10.30am.