Parents raise cash for sick child

The family of a child with a rare terminal illness are raising money to help make him more comfortable.

Alfie Clay, 22 months, from Leicester, was diagnosed five weeks ago with metachromatic leukodystrophy.

The coatings on his nerve ends are disappearing as a result of his illness, affecting his speech, his hearing, sight and brain activity.

His parents are putting on a fun day in Oadby at the weekend to raise money for his care.

"To be told that your son is dying...it's the worst thing that you could ever, ever imagine"
Sarah Baxter, mother

Alfie's father Paul said: "He's lost the use of his legs, his arms, he's just using his left hand at the moment.

"But he's happy in himself, all his brain is functioning fine and everything. But it's just horrible to know that we're doing all these things and now it's just being taken away from him."

Alfie was able to walk, but now his mother, Sarah Baxter, has to carry him around. He also needs a feeding tube.

He started showing symptoms in July and his condition was confirmed after tests at the Leicester Royal Infirmary.

His mother said: "The worst thought was that he was going to end up in a wheelchair, and then to be told that your son is dying. It's the worst thing that you could ever, ever imagine."

A fundraising event is being held for Alfie on 5 October at the New Inn in Oadby.

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