A BOY who is raising awareness of Tourette's syndrome has helped raise more than £1,500 for charity.

Ryley Newman, 10, was diagnosed with Tourette’s over two years ago, and feels anxious around other people.

He and his mum Tanita, from Tolleshunt D’Arcy, want to raise awareness of the syndrome and how it impacts children.

Tanita started a Facebook group for her son, who was attending St Nicholas Primary School, called Find Ryley Some Ticking Good Friends.

One of the things Ryley finds hardest is the fact he feels isolated.

To raise awareness and money for a new support group in Essex, the family organised a walk in Rowhedge, which raised £1,545.

Tanita said: "It went really well, better than I originally thought. We had about 40 people there.

"One of the families had a son with Tourette's, so the walk did what it was supposed to do and raise awareness.

"Ryley had an awesome time, he doesn't get to go out much so he had fun being able to relax with other people.

"He made friends and had loads of fun."

As his ticks mean he physically hurts himself, he spends a lot of time away from school.

The school has been supportive, in particular his special educational needs team. He has also received help from Mid and North East Essex Mind, and Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Ryley, who has been confident in speaking out about Tourette's and has made videos raising awareness, hopes to go to Thurstable School in the future.