THE family of a terminally ill 10-year-old boy want to tell Comet readers just how much of a difference their donations have made. Money poured in for the Harrisons after mum and dad Jonathan and Karen appealed for funds to help their son, Cameron, who s

THE family of a terminally ill 10-year-old boy want to tell Comet readers just how much of a difference their donations have made.

Money poured in for the Harrisons after mum and dad Jonathan and Karen appealed for funds to help their son, Cameron, who suffers from a terminal metabolic disorder.

They needed thousands of pounds to buy equipment to make his life easier, although they thought they might receive just a fraction of this.

But in just a few weeks, our generous readers donated more than £9,000.

Some of the money has been used to buy the tail lift seen on the family's car, which enables Cameron to enjoy days out with his younger brother Glenn, three, without having to be lifted out of his wheelchair.

The family were able put the lift to good use during their recent week away in Devon, when they enjoyed days on the beach and a trip to a castle theme park.

Cameron's mum Karen said the tail lift has made a "huge difference" to him.

She added: "He's so much happier. He used to get so upset when we had to lift him out of the chair.

"We just want to say a great big thank you to all who helped to raise the money for Cameron.

"We're still absolutely amazed by people's generosity.

"It's made a huge difference and there is money left over and now we know when Cameron needs something, we can go and get it."

Another piece of equipment bought with the help of Comet readers was a motorised therapy centre, which gives Cameron the sense of riding a bike.

After starting off using it for just a few minutes at a time, Cameron now enjoys an hour a day on it, some of the time pedalling it himself.

The youngster continues to have ongoing treatment to limit the effects of his illness.

His legs were recently injected with Botox, which paralysed the muscles to stop his legs crossing over.

It has also helped reduce the painful muscle spasms he suffers from.

Karen said: "We can position his legs better. He's much more comfortable."

As well as money sent through the paper, the family also received countless other donations.

They would particularly like to thank Sue Batho, who did a sponsored bounce to raise cash, Carl Middleton and Laura Cheesman, who held a family fun day, St Mary's Church, Hitchin, and Hitchin Educational Foundation.

A further fund-raising event, a party to be held at a venue at Stevenage Boro football club, which has been donated for free, will take place on Friday, October 20.

More details will appear nearer the time.