A LITTLE boy with a terminal wasting disease will be swimming with dolphins in Dubai thanks to the “overwhelming” support from family, friends and a generous stranger.

Steve and Lorraine Heckford from Ringwood were heartbroken when their son Jon, now six, was diagnosed with Sanfilippo syndrome.

The disease prevents the body removing waste chemicals from the brain and nervous system and instead of progressing like other children, Jon will begin to regress, gradually losing the ability to walk and talk.

Those with the disease normally don’t live beyond teenage years.

Since the diagnosis Kisses 4 Jon has been set up in a bid for the couple to make everlasting memories with their little boy.

And after a winter ball, drinks and canapés reception at Loveitaly in Ringwood and a fundraiser held in Dubai, the family will be heading over to the Atlantis Hotel this spring, where Jon will swim with dolphins.

Lorraine welled up as she told of how Jon, who attends the Forest Park School in Totton, comes alive in the water.

“Jon’s condition is getting worse and he is struggling more and more but when he is in the water he thrives and becomes very calm and relaxed, so swimming combined with his love of animals is probably the most special thing we will ever do with our son.

“The time we have left with Jon is so valuable. Every second of every minute of every hour of every day is so precious.

“I am so overwhelmed that people who have never met us but who have heard about us have been so wonderful. We have had to talk to the consultant at great Ormond Street because Jon can’t fly for more than four hours, so we are going to stop in Istanbul.”

Lorraine added: “We are all so excited about the trip. Memories like these will stay with us all forever. In many ways we are blessed.”