A BRAVE youngster with cerebral palsy brought his mother to tears by uttering “mum” for the first time.

Tom Evetts, 12, of Finchingfield, was born a healthy, full-term baby, but after 48 hours his blood sugar level dropped dramatically and he suffered severe brain damage.

He has generally been unable to speak throughout his life, however just ahead of his 13th birthday he learnt to call for his mum.

Mum Mel said: “I thought I’d never hear him say those words, quite simply the most precious words from a very precious, much-loved nearly teenager.”

Tom, along with mum, dad Rich, sisters Lily, 11, Daisy, nine, and brother Charlie, five, have all received care and support from East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (Each) for the best part of ten years.

To thank the charity for this support, the family, have decided to take part in the charity’s Colour Dash in Saffron Walden, on September 10.

Team Tom will consist of 14 members and using his specialist, all terrain wheelchair buggy, Tom himself is taking part in the 5km challenge where competitors are showered in paint as they walk.

As well as cerebral palsy, Tom has severe epilepsy and is registered blind.

Despite this, his mum says he is a “very happy boy” and believes the support from Each has made a massive difference to his life.

Mel said: “Each’s Milton hospice has been a true lifeline for my family since Tom was three years old.

“The charity remains a very important part of our lives and through some very traumatic times with Tom’s health they have remained in constant contact - daily phone calls at one point when Tom was very sick.”

To find out more, visit www.each.org.uk/colour-dashes.