THE family of a disabled youngster is one step nearer to making his life easier, thanks to fundraising efforts of the local community.

Jon and Jo Dilling, from Glenmoor Road, Ferndown, are desperate to buy a wheelchair accessible vehicle for their five-year-old son Harrison, who has cerebral palsy and is quadriplegic.

The family say the vehicle would offer Harrison more dignity and save him having to be carried in and out of the car each time they go out – a task becoming more and more difficult as Harrison grows.

Jon and Jo, who set up Harrison’s Trust Fund in order to raise money for the vital equipment and treatment he will need, are thrilled to have reached the initial £5,000 target towards the deposit of the vehicle.

The couple, who have another son, seven-year-old Reece, took part in the Tough Mudder race at Henley and raised more than £1,500, but have been overwhelmed with donations from others.

Fundraisers have taken on marathons, hikes, headshaves, sponsored walks and cake sales in a bid to help.

Jon said: “With all this amazing support we’re delighted to say that we’re pretty sure we’ve reached the £5,000 target we set ourselves this year. We never really thought we’d make it to be honest, but we’ve been blown away by all the remarkable people that have supported us and helped Harrison. Whilst we set £5,000 as a target towards getting a suitable vehicle for Harrison to travel in, the trust fund was always set up to help him on an ongoing basis, into his teens and even adulthood. We might have to be getting him a specially adapted power wheelchair soon which he can steer using his head and will cost in the region of £8-10,000. We’re not stopping and will continue to do all we can for him.”

The family is now hoping to reach £10,000. If you can help, visit.harrisonstrustfund.co.uk/donate.php or email info@ harrisontrustfund.co.uk. To find out more about Harrison and the Trust Fund, visit facebook.com/harrisonstrustfunds.