A MOTHER has raised hundreds of pounds for the charity that has been helping her learn the best way of caring for her son.

Kimberly Poole’s three-and-a-half year old son, George, has been diagnosed with global development delay, which means he is progressing more slowly than most children.

The 28-year-old mother of three held a pig racing night at The Club at Cricklade last month to raise £1,200 for the North Wilts and Devizes Portage Service, a charity which helps children with additional needs.

Kimberly, of Cricklade, said: “Portage started helping us two years ago. They come to the house once a week and they provide support and help for the family.

“They play with him and help to progress his learning and development.

“They use sign language and visual aids to help. I can watch and listen and take on board what they are doing so I can copy them.

“They also answer any questions I have or help me when I am not sure who I need to speak to. If I have got a problem they are there to help me through it.”

Portage, which helps 34 families in Wiltshire, provides a free specialist home educational service for children aged up to five with difficulties and disabilities.

The service provides a step by step, individualised play programme to support developmental progress.

George, who is also waiting to see an autism specialist, has a twin sister, Ruby, and an older brother, Owen, 10.

Kimberly said: “George and Ruby were four weeks premature. George was different to Ruby from the day he was born.

“As he grew he was delayed with sitting up and all the usual things. He had flat head syndrome and we paid for a helmet for it but after that there was still something not quite right.

“He has only just started talking in the last eight months. He still doesn’t walk correctly now.”

Kimberly’s mum, Sue Loder, who is owner of The Club at Cricklade, helped to run the pig racing and raffle night at the club on March 23.

Kimberly said she was delighted to have raised so much money and thanked everyone who donated. North Wilts and Devizes Portage service manager Kim Hannay-Young thanked Kimberly and everyone who helped to raise the total.

For more information about Portage visit www.wiltshireportage.co.uk.