A limousine arrived in the pouring rain in the early hours of yesterday morning to take a family off on the first stage of their holiday in the sun.

The Theobald family, of High Woods, Colchester, were off to Spain for two weeks thanks to a vast group of wellwishers who helped raise the cash for the trip.

They had the help of the Dream Team of Southend, who also provided the limo.

The plight of two-year-old Jay Theobald, who is dying from Batten's Disease, has touched the heart of fundraisers who have contributed for the longed-for family holiday at a villa near where Jay's grandparents live.

Jay's condition has deteriorated since the fund was set up and he has spent some time in the children's hospice.

But he, with mum and dad Fran and Stephen and brother and sisters Rhys, Lauren, Kayleigh and baby Tianna, were all set to make the most of their precious time together in the sun.

Off to Spain - Jay Theobald and dad Steve pack for their dream holiday.

Picture: NIGEL BROWN

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.