THE family of a disabled child are looking to raise money for specialist equipment after being told they cannot receive any help until he is three-years-old.

Joseph Teasdale, who is 17 months old, was born with a genetic condition that is so rare it does not even have a name.

His condition, which affects the movement of all his limbs, has left him profoundly deaf, unable to walk or talk, as well as potentially many other medical difficulties as he grows older.

Joseph’s parents, 25-year-old Abbi and 26-year-old Ryan, are now looking to raise £10,000 for hydrotherapy bath, with the help of Abbi’s parents – Keith and Mandy Hadland, after being told Joseph is not entitled to one for another 18 months.

The family, who live in Middleton St George, near Darlington, are currently using the pool at The Park Moore Hotel in Eaglescliffe, near Stockton.

“He relaxes in the water, and the hydrotherapy pool allows him to move his limbs much easier," said Abbi.

“It will be life changing – and the size of the bath will mean as he gets older, there will still be a lot of space for him to move around him.

“He is not entitled to any help at this age – the only equipment he has been given is his bumble bee chair," she added.

Speaking about Joseph, Abbi said: “He has such a personality – he is great fun and is smiling all the time.

“His condition was so rare that doctors couldn’t compare it to anything they had seen before."

Abbi admits the last year and a half has been a "rollercoaster", but it has brought her closer to Ryan.

“It stops you from having a normal life – if you want to go on holiday, you have to go through the doctors.

“We have got to look on the positive side - we have to prepare for the worst and then if something better happens, it is a miracle."

The family are holding a fundraising day on August 6 to help raise the £10,000

Some money has already been raised, with Keith and Mandy completing the Yorkshire three-peak challenge with only seconds remaining of the 12 hour target.

Activities will be held in Shanie's Barbers on West Row in Darlington, where there will be singing, raffles and a charity hair cut.

“The pool will help immensely with Joseph’s mobility and quality of life - we need to raise as much as we can.” said Mandy.

  • For more information or to donate to the family, email josephsdream2017@outlook.com