THE parents of a six-year-old Hampshire boy killed in a horrific road accident are appealing for help to buy a headstone for his grave.

Saints-mad Aaron Bellows died during emergency surgery after he fell under the back wheels of a single-decker bus in Harefield, Southampton, on September 4.

Dad Darren, 34, and mum Jo, 31, say they cannot afford a permanent memorial for the youngster's burial plot at St Mary's cemetery in Portsmouth Road.

The family's plight has galvanised relatives and friends in the tight-knit communities of Harefield and Merry Oak into staging a football tournament tomorrow.

Mr Bellows, who works for the city's cleansing department, is hoping the event will also raise cash for the paediatric intensive care unit at Southampton General Hospital, where surgeons fought a losing battle to save Aaron.

He said: "We want a little memorial that the family can visit and relate to, but this is not about our financial gain.

"The doctors tried so hard and were heartbroken, and we want something to come out of our son's death for other children.

"We hope to raise enough money to buy some lifesaving equipment to help other people's sons and daughters."

Regulars from four neighbourhood pubs are taking part in the competition, held at the playing fields of Aaron's school, Harefield infants.

One team is from the Exford Arms, located in Somerset Avenue just yards from the site of the tragedy.

The fundraising will continue at the Merry Oak pub in Spring Road with an auction of items donated by local businesses.

Aaron's mum, of Obelisk Road, Wool-ston, said she was already overwhelmed by expressions of support. "I didn't think people could be so kind," she said.

Merry Oak publican Sarah Martin said dozens of people had expressed shock over the accident and she expected a full house.

She added: "Aaron was a bright lad, and full of energy. I heard about his death on the day when one of the regulars came in and told us. The mood was very quiet."

Mr Bellows has appealed to local youngsters to take extra care on the roads. He said: "I want them to get it into their heads that these things don't just happen to other people. It's better to be five minutes late in this world than five minutes early in the next."

Managers at Southampton General Hospital have welcomed the family's aim to donate cash to the intensive care unit.

Spokeswoman Marilyn Kay said: "We are always very grateful, and charitable donations go a very long way to providing all sorts of additional services within the hospital."

The Southampton coroner's office has confirmed that an inquest into Aaron's death will be held on November 16.

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