RESIDENTS of South Lakeland are all invited to a fun fund-raising event to help a Furness toddler with severe cerebral palsy.

Little Jack Bennett was diagnosed with the disability at the age of one after being starved of oxygen around the time of his birth.

Doctors advised his parents Joanne and Paul that he was unlikely to ever walk, talk, sit or even use a pencil because of the severity of the illness.

But thanks to a form of specialist education, three-year-old Jack is now able to sit almost unsupported and has even said his first word.

He has been undergoing conductive education, which aims to help children overcome developmental problems so that they can live more active and independent lives.

The family wants to raise £30,000 to enable Jack to continue attending this vital therapy at The Legacy Rainbow House, in Lancashire, while the long- term plan is to have therapy brought into the local community of Furness and make it available to families in Cumbria.

An Easter Family Fun Day has been organised for Sunday (April 8) at Ulverston Sports and Social Club, from 11am to 3pm, with a variety of activities for families, including a Bouncy Castle, donkey rides, stalls, cakes, books and an Easter Trail.

Jack’s mother Joanne said: “This is our first big event and we are hoping it will allow us to try to spread the word about what we are doing. We want to create a better future not just for Jack but for other brain injured children in Cumbria.

“Hopefully, the day will be a big success and everyone will come and have a great time.”

To donate to Jack’s appeal you can visit his Just Giving page at www.justgiving.com/ JacksAppeal To get involved with the family’s appeal, please contact appeal manager Joe Mawdsley on 07789-228213.