TEACHER Kay Williams' heart was touched by the story of Downs Syndrome boy, Adam Foulks, whose family is aiming to take him on a Florida journey of hope to swim with dolphins. Kay, a teacher at Hesketh Fletcher High School, Atherton, set the ball rolling to raise cash towards the £4,000 needed for the treatment, which it is hoped will help Adam, 10, a pupil at Two Porches Special School, talk. And since August staff and pupils have thrown their weight behind the appeal to raise over £450.

This will be presented to Adam and his mum, Diana, at a school assembly on January 18.

Kay, who teaches food technology, said: "The story struck home with me as I have a nephew with the same condition.

"I started the fund by serving tea and coffee to parents at an open evening for donations. More recently we made toast and cakes to sell to pupils and some staff decided not to send Christmas cards and give presents, but put the money into the appeal instead.

"The pupils have also been marvellous, taking part in a sponsored run and giving a jujitsu demonstration.

"A member of staff pruned his holly tree, complete with berries, to sell, and brave teachers donated photographs from their childhood for a 'guess the teacher' competition.

Diana said: "Swimming with dolphins is supposed to work wonders for children. There is a really high rate of success. No one knows why it works it just seems to have some magical effect.

"We're due to go in March, so I just hope we can raise the money. The £4,000 is for just over six hours of sessions. That doesn't include flights, accommodation or food.

" I really want him to be able to talk in the hope that other things will come such as walking."

Many local people are helping Diana and husband Rob with fund raising-schools, pubs, clubs and parachutists.

Diana said: " We are so grateful to everyone who has helped, people have really gone out of their way for Adam. I just hope that if we get there the treatment is successful."

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