Hospice gets star treatment (From Barry And District News)

Hospice gets star treatment

A SEVERELY disabled Barry boy is the latest to make an appeal to the Barry & District News/Round Table fund.

Joshua Hooper, 12, who has many health difficulties, is looking for cash to help him gain a sense of freedom.

The Ysgol Maes Dyfan pupil, who has lived with his grandparents Cliff and Linda Hayes since he was born, cannot walk or talk and is epileptic.

His home at Coychurch Rise has been modified but the only time he is ever really free is at Center Parcs in Longleat.

A week away at the resort costs £400.

Joshua's grandfather and full-time carer Cliff, 50, said: "There is a lazy river that Joshua can play in. With his arm bands, he can stand and even walk on his own. Out of the water, Josh needs help to walk and normally crawls because his balance is not good. But in Center Parcs, he has a feeling of freedom that he doesn't have elsewhere."

Linda, 55, added: "We have tried other places for holidays.

We once tried a caravan, but Josh needs a lot of space. The best place we have found for all of us is Center Parcs. We've spent up to six hours a day in the water."

Cliff said: "We've had help from the Joseph Roundtree Fund for handicapped children because the cost is quite high. It's £400 for the three of us in March.

"We would like to ask for £200 towards it, and we will pay the other half."