BECOMING a teenager is a milestone for all children but for one 13-year-old boy and his family the occasion was also a chance to give something back.

In 2003, Donna Gibson, from Crook, County Durham, was warned her new born son, Ryan, was unlikely to live beyond the age of five.

But the youngster, who suffers from cerebral palsy, epilepsy and severe brain damage, has defied doctors’ predictions, celebrating his 13th birthday on September 2.

When Ryan turned ten, Ms Gibson and her friends and family held a big party at Crook Town Football Club to celebrate the occasion.

Instead of presents, they asked for donations to Evergreen Primary School in Bishop Auckland, a special school for youngsters with a range of disabilities.

This year, the family were once again keen to support other people living with disabilities and staged another fundraising party at the same venue.

The event, which featured a raffle, tombola, football tournament, face painting and more, attracted more than 150 people and raised vital funds for Dreamcatcher PSP, a day centre for adults with physical and learning disabilities.

Ms Gibson, 31, and her partner, Ryan Greaves, also completed a sponsored skydive, taking the fundraising total to almost £2,400.

Today (Thursday), the couple and Ryan visited the day centre, located in the Old Court House in Woodhouse Close, Bishop Auckland, to hand over the money.

Ms Gibson, who also has a nine-month-old son called Adam, said: “Ryan has everything he needs so instead of presents we asked for donations.

“Dreamcatcher is for adults with learning disabilities and Ryan will most likely go somewhere like this when he is older. They are raising money for a sensory room at the moment. Ryan responds to lights and vibrations so I know how beneficial sensory equipment can be.”

Maureen Jordan, the owner and founder of Deaconstar, which runs the Dreamcatcher service, said: “It’s marvellous what Donna and her family are doing. I have some experience of what she is going through so I know how hard it can be.

“To deal with everything she has to deal with and still find time to support us is amazing. She deserves a medal.”

To find out more about Deaconstar, visit deaconstar.co.uk