THE fundraising efforts of a Bournemouth mum will help to make life a little bit easier for five-year-old Harrison Dilling.

Justine Bennett has so far collected £700 after tackling the Mad March triathlon in Colehill, which will be put towards a wheelchair-adapted vehicle for Harrison, who has cerebral palsy.

The youngster’s parents Jon and Jo, who are long-time friends of Justine and her family, set up Harrison’s Trust Fund to provide funds for whatever he might need, and are now focusing on raising £5,000, just for the vehicle’s deposit.

Mum-of-two Justine, from Southbourne, said: “Harrison is completely wheelchair-bound and, since he is now so much bigger and heavier, it’s becoming more and more apparent that they need a specialised wheelchair accessible mobility vehicle.

“With this they can wheel him into the car in his chair rather than lifting him in and out each and every time.”

The 40-year-old, who is a podiatrist and also runs Little Munch-kins children’s party food and cookery company, completed the triathlon in one hour 21 minutes.

She said: “At more difficult times I thought of Harrison’s beautiful smile, my friends and family that have supported me.

“What was special was to see my family there as I came into transition from bike to run and then at the end with Jon, Jo, Reece and Harrison too. I cried, it was my own personal marathon.”

Jon and Jo, who live in Southbourne with Harrison and his big brother Reece, said: “Raising the money she has is incredible and we’re so grateful.”

Visit harrisonstrustfund.co.uk