‘I’m so glad I gave life to my happy little boy’

A mum who chose to give her disabled son life – instead of having an abortion – is hoping stem-cell treatment will dramatically improve his physical and mental health, but she must raise £33,000.

Ben Anker suffers from a severe form of cerebral palsy which affects one-in-75,000 birth worldwide.

The three-year-old has very little sight and is also mentally and physically disabled.

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But mum Fran said the “happy little boy” could get better sight and more mobility if the treatment in China is a success.

But it lasts one month and Fran will have to stay there and so far only £2,000 has been raised for the trip.

Fran, aged 26, of Kenilworth, said: “Statistics show that 80 per cent of those who have the treatment will see a big improvement.”

Ben, who needs around-the -clock care has legs like a new-born and to prevent his hips seizing up has to wear special splints, has a standing frame, a back-support chair and undergoes physio.

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Despite his disabilities, Fran said: “He is such a happy little boy.

“He goes to Ridgeway Nursery School in Warwick three times a week. He loves going.

“I don’t even get a kiss any more. It’s as if he’s saying ‘I’m off now mum. I don’t need you.’ Just like any other little boy.

“He has a little bit of vision – shadows and light. But if he has the treatment it will give him more vision and encourage him to learn to walk.”

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Ben has limited speech, but can do a form of sign language and nods or shakes his head. “It’s very simple but we know when he’s hungry, happy or sad,” said Fran, who was 21-weeks pregnant when a scan revealed Ben’s condition.

But she had a mother’s premonition before it, saying: “I remember sitting in a car and saying ‘I know there’s something wrong.’ Medical staff didn’t think he would survive and offered me an abortion.

“I told them there was no way I was going to get rid of him. I was so far gone I could feel him kicking – I had bonded with him.

“Even if he died in my arms at least we would have had that little time together. I’m so glad that I didn’t have an abortion.”

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Fran, who has another son, Oliver, aged eight, has had her share of heartache – in 2007, six months into pregnancy a son called James was delivered stillborn.

“A geneticist said there was a pretty good chance that James had what Ben has now.”

To help with fundraising Fran and friends have organised a fun day on July 13, in The Dell, off Beauchamp Hill, Milverton, from 11am until 4pm.

Attractions will include a bouncy castle, stalls and entertainment.

To help with fundraising or for more information email [email protected] or check Facebook page Ben’s Journey.

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