THE family of a student are backing a campaign to raise funds for a cerebral palsy charity.

Matthew Garner, from Billingham, was diagnosed with the condition aged just three months.

Now, the family of the 21-year-old want to raise funds for children’s charity Heel and Toe, after they helped him gain confidence and prevent further deterioration.

The charity is looking to raise £270,000 to transform a derelict building as its new base for providing life changing therapy for families.

Mr Garner raised more than £3,000 for the charity after he completed a jet-ski ride from Hartlepool to Whitby with his dad, Russ.

His mother, Gillian said: “It was cold and quite hard as Russ had to support Matthew with one arm on the jet ski and one arm around Matthew all the way there.

“Matthew loves to be involved in things - he plays wheelchair football, goes horse riding regularly and plays drums in a rhythm band.”

Mr Garner was born five weeks prematurely and had to be resuscitated at birth.

His mother said: “You have to be optimistic and push all the time - we know that Matthew won’t get any better but with the support of Heel and Toe we can work together to prevent any further deterioration.”