Well-wishers pray for rescued boy

Dozens of well-wishers gathered Monday in a Sydney park to offer their hopes and prayers for James Delorey, the seven-year-old Cape Breton boy who spent two frigid days lost in the woods.

Delorey was found Monday afternoon unconscious and hypothermic, huddled in an area of thick brush and snow about a kilometre from his home in South Bar, near Sydney.

Within hours, Sydney's Wentworth Park became a magnet for people in the community caught in the drama of the last 48 hours. Some held candles, some prayed and sang.

"We just came out to say a prayer and hope all is well and hope he makes it through this difficult time," said Melissa Macadam. "I can't even describe what his mother and his family must feel."

Stacey Chiasson wanted to show her support for the Delorey family. Chiasson and her teenage children were among the hundreds of community volunteers who helped in the search for the little boy.

"When you walk up and you see all the people in the room waiting and donations being brought in from the businesses in town, it was amazing," said Chiasson. "It just gave a feeling that you couldn't believe."

Delorey's relatives have not spoken to reporters, but have asked police to pass along their thanks for the outpouring of support.

The boy was airlifted to the IWK Health Centre in Halifax, where he remained in critical condition as of late Monday night.