Rory was born 4 months premature and against all odds battled through, with his loving parents by his side, to make it home after 7 months in Preston's neo-natal ward. Since then, despite many challenges and periods in hospital, he has developed into an extremely happy boy, who has just started year 1 in September.

Rory has hypotonia and various sensory issues, as well as problems with digestion. However, with the Family Hope Centre (FHC) from Philadelphia, USA, coming to the UK, a wonderful opportunity presents itself for Rory and his parents to experience ground-breaking intervention and therapy, which could impact significantly on Rory's life prospects. His parents are desperately keen for Rory to benefit from the FHC, but need help to meet the costs, which go well into the thousands. Here is a breakdown of some of the costs they have faced this year ...

Made to measure insoles - £200

Nutritional supplements - £400

Breathing vest (to help regulate breathing so his body can function to its full potential) - £2000

FHC annual costs - £7800

Hydrotherapy pool and building works (Rory requires intensive daily hydrotherapy) - £13000

Medical testing - £740

7.5% of all donations to Tree of Hope in relation to this appeal will be allocated to the general charitable purposes of Tree of Hope to cover our core operating costs.

If we raise insufficient funds, or surplus funds, then the funds will be used, if appropriate, to fund support for our child’s needs in accordance with Tree of Hope’s charitable objects. If in those circumstances we are unable to use all or part of the funds for the benefit of our child in accordance with Tree of Hope’s charitable objectives, then any funds that cannot be used will be transferred to be used for the general charitable purposes of Tree of Hope.