RARE Chromosome Disorder Awareness Week, organised by Chromosome Disorder Outreach, runs until June 18 and aims to raise awareness of chromosome disorders, and to inform families of the available resources that may be of help.

If you live in Sandford you may have met Keir, he can be quite voluble as he is wheeled through the village. He is 11years of age and has lived there all his life.

Born with a rare genetic condition he is almost completely blind, cannot yet walk or talk and lives with severe learning difficulties.

His mother, Vee Willson, qualified last year as a teacher in the Anat Baniel Method (ABM) which uses movement directly to boost target the brain’s ability to change and create new neural networks. ABM massively increases an individual’s capacity to learn and to develop.

His family are now fundraising so that Vee can complete the specialisation in working with Children with Special Needs.

Keir is so full of life, he loves listening to music, playing the piano and keyboard, and drumming a rhythm on anything to hand. Since starting ABM he has become better able to enjoy local events like the Halloween Disco, the Sandford Meet and Show Bike Rally and using the new basket swing at Newcombes Meadow park, Crediton.

Five years ago he was capable only really of lying on the floor and shouting out if he needed something, he can now "bottom scoot" around the house to get what he wants.

ABM has already made an enormous difference to Keir’s life, with his Mum fully trained, his possibilities for development will increase significantly and she will also be able to offer the work to other local children.

You can find the fundraising site for Keir Willson-Milne at www.youcaring.com .