A COUPLE from Haverfordwest who have waited five years to be called ‘mummy and daddy’ are trying to raise almost £3,000 to help their young son find his voice.

Five-year-old Jack Gray has autism, epilepsy, and a range of medical issues that mean he has not developed as quickly as his peers.

But after years of being unable to communicate with the world around him, Jack is now starting to progress, thanks to the help he receives from Skybound Autism Therapy Centre, near Wiston.

Bowled over by the impact weekly therapy sessions are having on their son, mum and dad Claire and Stuart are now trying to raise enough money for a week-long intensive course, that will help Jack ‘be the best he can be’.

“Jack so desperately wants to talk and communicate and be part of our world, but he finds it so hard,” said Claire.

“In the last few weeks he has been calling me mummy, and it’s been overwhelming.
“We have waited five years to be called mum and dad and it’s made us feel there is now hope.”

As well as continuing to develop Jack’s speech and language, the course will help with feeding skills, toilet training and getting dressed.

“To have that impact of a week with professionals will make such a big difference to our lives,” said Claire.

Jack’s anxieties mean simple activities and interactions can be extremely stressful for him, but Claire and Stuart are hopeful that – with the right help – he can learn the skills necessary to better cope with new situations.

“With this intensive injection to his therapy and helping Jack understand the world around him better we might make a busy birthday party and stay for the whole thing, or make a trip around the supermarket without it all getting too much,” said Claire.

“You can’t put a price on helping your child, and we would love to give him more but the cost of it is holding us back,” she added.

“He brings us so much joy, we wouldn’t want to change him for the world, we just want to give him the best start in life.”

The couple have already raised around £1,900 of the £2,800 needed, thanks to generous donations from friends, family, and the general public.

To add to Jack’s fundraising total, visit https://www.gofundme.com/uc2wz922.

A fundraising evening with medium Karen Wilson will also be held at Letterston Memorial Hall on Saturday, October 24, at 7pm. Tickets £10.