A mother will hold a special party to raise money for charities who have supported her son as he battles two life-limiting illnesses.

Tara Watkin, 44, will stage an Eighties party in Silver End Village Hall later this year to help raise cash for a trio of charities who have offered care and support to her and 17-month-old son Asher.

Asher, whose dad is the Rev Paul Watkin, was diagnosed with life-limiting diseases Cat’s Eye syndrome and MEN2B just weeks after he was born.

The tot has since had his thyroid removed after developing cancer and has to be fed through a tube.

With doctors unsure how long the youngster will live, his family are organising a large party to help celebrate his life and also raise money for Great Ormond Street Hospital, Wipe Away Those Tears and Rainbow Trust.

Mum Tara, of Western Lane, Silver End, said: “We want to raise as much money for these amazing charities who have all helped us since Asher was born.

“It was a total shock when we first found out about his conditions. I had a healthy pregnancy and he only showed vague symptoms when he was born.

“Both of his conditions are classed as life-limiting so we have had to rely on these charities a lot for support.

“We are all over the place getting care for Asher and he’s going to Great Ormond Street soon to have surgery.

“He can’t do a lot of things other babies can do because he is visually impaired. But he’s always happy and people fall in love with him as soon as they meet him.

“He’s a real warrior and is always fun to be with.”

The party, which will be held on Saturday, May 11, will be attended by famous singer Nik Kershaw and will also see a raffle held to help further boost the total amount raised.

Members of the public are invited to get involved however they can and the proceeds will be jointly split between the three chosen charities.

Mrs Watkin added: “Obviously it is all about raising money for these fantastic charities but it’s also about Asher and spending time with him.

“We just don’t know how much time we have left with him so want to make the most of it.

“The village has been fantastic so far and helped out so much already. Sarah Barker and John Bailey have been fantastic in helping me arrange everything and it really has just snowballed what with Nik coming along.”

Tickets for the party will go on sale in March.

To make a raffle donation or volunteer on the day call Mrs Watkin on 01376 583930.