A HEART-BROKEN family in Newquay are learning to adapt after their young son was diagnosed with a rare genetic and life-limiting condition.

Jude Wingfield, aged four, was just three months old, when it was established, he has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, which causes muscles to become weaker and waste away over time.

Parents Jessica and Conner are now navigating how best to look after their young son as he gradually loses abilities and independence.

Jessica said “Jude is funny, loving and incredibly caring.

“It was heartbreaking and something we still try to come to terms with now when Jude was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Some days you can forget for a little while and it just feels like you're a normal family. Other days, you're hit with fear and sadness for the life your little ones been dealt.

“As Jude grows, everyday things will become increasingly difficult. Jude can't walk yet, but we hope one day this could be a possibility for him. Even if he does, he will likely struggle with things like stairs and keeping up with other children and it is something he will eventually lose again.

“Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy means Jude will gradually lose abilities and independence that most of us take for granted, which is what makes it so heartbreaking.

“I can't really describe that pain of being told your child has a genetic disease. It felt like everything we'd imagined for our little boy had been taken away and there was no one to blame and no one who could fix it.

“We're slowly finding our way into a world we never imagined we'd be a in. There is still a lot of uncertainty and fear but more than anything, we just want to give Jude a home where he can be safe, comfortable, happy and as independent as possible.”

Jessica and Conner decided to purchase a new house in St Columb Major that provides the space needed. They have received a Disabled Facilities Grant to help toward adapting the property but a lot more work needs to be carried out.

A fundraising campaign titled help create an accessible home for Jude has been launched on JustGiving to raise the £50,000 needed.

Jessica said: “Making a house work for a child with a progressive disability is expensive and it's something we never imagined we'd have to plan for and financially manage.

“Our new home needs quite a lot of work to make it suitable for Jude. Some of the things we need to do are converting the garage into an accessible bedroom and wet room.

“We know how lucky we are to have a home to move into. We want to give Jude a home where he can feel comfortable, safe, cared for with dignity and feel included.

Somewhere he can grow up surrounded by his family without accessibility constantly being another barrier in his life.

“Any help, no matter how big or small, will go towards making that possible for him.”