A little boy who almost lost his life to a condition that causes the skin to burn from the inside was given a spectacular helping hand to get to his prom.

Oakley Orange, from Strood, nearly died when he was struck with an allergic reaction to medication.

He was admitted to Medway Maritime Hospital in December 2013, and a few weeks later, his condition had deteriorated so rapidly he was given little chance of survival.

He contracted hypothermia and a lung infection, lost all his skin, hair and nails, and needed 17 pints of blood to help keep him alive.

More than three years on, brave Oakley, now 10, is still suffering the lasting effects of the illness and awaiting an eye operation.

But nothing was going to stop him from attending his Year 6 prom.

The Bligh Junior School pupil was given a lift from his home in Empire Road in a Jaguar driven by family friend Graham Turner.

This was followed by 12 Subaru Impreza cars from the Kent Imprezas group, as well as a crew from Strood fire station.

Before they set off, the cars lined up near his home and Oakley got to talk to the owners and also pose for pictures in the fire engine.

Mum Lorraine said: “It was a huge hit, not just with Oakley but everyone that saw it.

“Oakley is still going through a lot of medical issues including the deterioration of his eyes over the last few months, which has resulted in him needing an operation.

“On top of him having his gallbladder removed, he is now waiting for procedures to check all his digestive tracts, intestines and stomach.

"We have also now had a diagnosis of peripheral nerve damage in his legs and feet.

“Throughout everything he has been through, he has shown great determination to attend school as much as possible but this isn’t always possible with hospital appointments and him not being well, but we saw a day that we didn’t think would be possible for him.

“For so many people to give up their time to show he is still thought about was fantastic.

“We can’t thank people enough for what they did.

"The school prom for Oakley was made that extra bit special by these people putting him first.”

Oakley is due to have a eye operation shortly and is looking forward to starting at Meopham School.

Lorraine added: “Oakley is moving on to a new chapter in his life in September, a new school which he is both excited and scared about, but with the support he has he will be in his element.

“The hospital visits will be ongoing for the foreseeable future, but in true Oakley style he will get through them all with the unforgettable smile he’s always had.”