A charity created to raise money for a six-year-old boy with a rare life-threatening disease has got off to a good start after it held an auction.

The Harrison Fund was set up to help Harrison Austen-Evans, of Hazells Close, Newhaven, who needs care at home, visits to hospital and daily drugs.

The auction raised £800 by selling items, including a Brighton and Hove Albion shirt bearing all the team's signatures, a cuddly duck donated by Asda, bric-a-brac and juggling lessons.

Arsenal goalkeeper David Seaman's wife, Sally, sent an Arsenal shirt with 17 players' signatures but it did not arrive in time and Harrison's mum Michele Sagar aims to sell it separately.

She said: "I was so emotional at seeing all these people turn out for Harrison at the auction.

"The band Krysys were excellent as well. They donated their time for free."

She also thanked the Jolly Boatman pub in Newhaven for allowing the auction to be staged there.

David Seaman's wife heard about Harrison through one of her relatives who read of his plight in The Argus.

Harrison's condition is so rare it does not have a name and he is one of only two people in Britain to have it.

He has to visit the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Brigh-ton every three weeks for treatment to his blood because he has problems with his immune system.

The youngster, who attends Patcham House Special School in Brighton, also has to wear aids as he is losing his hearing.

Mrs Sagar, who has two other sons and a daughter, said: "His condition baffles doctors. They think it is genetic but they are not sure."

Anyone interested in buying the David Seaman shirt or donating to the fund should call 01273 514969.