A SUPPORT group for youngsters suffering with undiagnosed conditions has scooped a £10,000 lottery grant.

Teresa Brett and Bo Firth, two mums who set up Swindon Children Without A Diagnosis, are delighted with the windfall. The group needs £15,000 per year to fund its social evenings, day trips and information service for the 17 member families it currently has on its books.

Teresa, 55, said: “To win the big whammy of lottery money we had to apply to the big people. All families with disabled children are short of money and thanks to this funding our aim is to provide at least one day out a week throughout the long summer holidays.’’ Planned trips to Bristol Zoo, Horse riding for the disabled, a barbecue at Lydiard Park and visits to Weymouth, London and Butlins are all on the cards for members of SCWAD this summer thanks to the lottery cash.

Teresa, whose son Robin, 14, suffers from a metabolic disorder and undiagnosed learning difficulties, said: “The feedback from our recent committee meeting, which seemed to turn into a social of its own, was that days out for special needs children are essential to keep them entertained.’’ Setting up the group last November was a huge learning curve for the two mums and they have both put a tremendous amount of work into applying for community funding and assembling information for the group as well as providing a social life in a safe environment for the very different youngsters who range in age from as young as 10 months.

Statistics show that nationally there are 40 per cent of children with learning difficulties who do not have a diagnosis.

Teresa said: “These kind of statistics are reflected in Swindon which shows our group is sorely needed. Our children fall through the net for Government funding.’’ The last trip organised for 53 people was to Centre Parcs for a three night break.

Teresa said: “Robin enjoyed the weekend although it is hard to take him out of his own environment.

“He gets set in his ways and normally just wants to go for a bus ride but we could see the change in him.’’ The group provide huge moral support for each other but the mums also provide information such as how to get a free bus pass for a companion to a disabled child or free cinema ticket.

The next big fundraising event for SCWAD is A Night Out At The Musicals on July 16 at St Joseph’s School with local performers singing songs from Fame, Les Miserables and Cats. Tickets are £4 for adults and £2 for children.

For more details about SCWAD call 079136 25977 or email scward@btinternet.com.