A FAMILY has launched an appeal to raise £10,000 to help ensure their quadriplegic son can get upstairs at their York home.

Max Parker, four, of Campleshon Road, South Bank, has cerebral palsy and dystonia after being born 13 weeks prematurely.

His mother Lisa said the dystonia causes muscle contractions, leading to twisting and repetitive movements or abnormal postures. Max has only limited control over even his eyes.

“He cannot even hold his head up,” she said. “He is a lovely boy though – he is just beautiful.”

Lisa said until now, she and her husband Mark always carried Max upstairs to his bedroom and the bathroom.

However Max, who attends Hob Moor Oaks School, is getting heavier and they now want a lift installed and other changes to make the home wheelchair-friendly.

Lisa said City of York Council had agreed to pay £30,000 towards the basic costs, but she and Mark want to build a two-storey extension which could contain a lift shaft, so they can keep the dining room for their family, which also includes Lily, five, and Ben, who is 10 months.

The total cost would be £55,000 plus VAT and she and Mark, a power plant operator, would meet the majority – but need to raise another £10,000.

“I ran in the York 10K in the summer and raised £500, but we are now planning a big fundraising event at 5pm tomorrow at St Chad’s Church Hall near our home,” said Lisa. “ Tickets cost £10, kids free, and include a two-course meal, tea, coffee and juice.

There will be a quiz and games and a charity auction with prizes including two county stand tickets for any May meeting at York Racecourse next year; a Scotland rugby shirt signed by Graham Steadman; up to two weeks in a cottage in the Loire Valley and a Marriott Hotel lunch and leisure pass.”

Tickets from Lisa (07876 135723) or Jo (07941 002024).

Visit www.justgiving.com/MaxParker004/