A COUPLE from South Ockendon have thanked the local community and the charity Headstart4babies for helping them meet a target to obtain medical help to change the life of their son.

Nina Bourlet and Daren Leslie's ten month old boy, Thomas, has moderate Brachycephaly and severe Plagiocephaly of his head. This means it is asymmetrical and not a 'normal' shape at the back.

Thomas was being treated by Great Ormond Street Hospital but in order to enhance his quality of life the couple were advised to go private to get a helmet treatment that would help sort Thomas' issue.

The treatment costs £2,000 and it was important to get started quickly as babies' heads slow down in growth after they are one year old.

Thankfully a Just Giving page proved a lifeline and the couple raised enough money to start the treatment. The traget has now been met but any further donations will be passed to the charity headstart4babies to help others.

You can donate via this link.

The helmet has to be worn 23 hours per day and Thomas will wear his for approximately a year.

Daren and Nina, who both work for the emergency services - have expressed their gratitude to everyone who supported them.