The family of a severely disabled eight-year-old boy were setting off on a trip-of-a-lifetime today to take him to swim with dolphins.

Samantha and Philip Slingsby, who live in Fairweather Green, say the two weeks of therapy in Florida could transform their son's life.

And they are hoping that Antony, who is blind, can't walk and suffers from cerebral palsy, will speak for the first time.

"We're trying to keep an open mind about it all as we really don't know what to expect," said Mrs Slingsby.

"Antony loves swimming so we know he'll definitely enjoy himself but we're trying not to raise our hopes too much about what progress he will make.

"Anything that helps him is good and we're positive it will be a wonderful experience for the whole family.

"It's taken more than two years of really hard work to get the money together and we're just so grateful to everyone that has been involved.

"We've had delays in booking the trip but we only got confirmation a week ago so it's been very hectic.

"We're going to take lots of videos and photographs of Antony with the dolphins and when we get back we're going to hire a church hall and show everyone.

"Hopefully people will be able to see the difference in him."

Fundraisers organised an endless stream of events to raise more than £10,000 to send the Slingsbys and their two daughters to the Dolphin Human Therapy Centre for three weeks.

And the family will also enjoy a trip to Disney World because the appeal raised so much cash.

Stephanie Hall, Antony's great aunt, who organised the fund-raising, said: "It really is a dream come true. It's absolutely incredible that at last they're on their way to Florida.

"At times we didn't think we'd ever reach our target but everyone that has helped over the past few years is over the moon.

"We're so hopeful that the therapy will help Antony."

Antony is the second Bradford boy to swim with the dolphins at Key Largo in Florida.

Autistic youngster Joseph Davies from Frizinghall has made excellent progress since coming back from the centre in May.

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