CEREBRAL palsy sufferer Thomas Holten is benefiting from specialist help from the Peto Institute in Budapest.

Sarah Heim, an instructor from the institute, is spending three weeks with Thomas, 12, and his parents, Lee and Marielyn, at their home in Josephine Road, Cowlersley.

Sarah, 42 has visited him for the past six years.

Lee, 41, said: "The institute specialises in conductive education, which is not just exercises but education as well.

"Sarah helps Thomas develop his speech by doing little things like blowing out a candle.

"We continue to do the basic exercises ourselves when Sarah is gone."

Sarah, who is married with two children, stays with the family. She said: "Thomas is like a friend now."

Lee added: "After the visit, Thomas is usually much more confident. His muscles are stronger and his general posture is improved."

Each visit costs £1,700. Lee is out of work as he suffers from the debilitating illness ME and Marielyn is Thomas's full-time carer.