A GROUP of local mums who set up a foundation to help a very special Letterston lad is hoping to smash their fundraising target with an optional masked ball next month.

Luca Morillo was born with cerebral palsy and sensory needs. He is a happy, outgoing five-year-old but needs specialist equipment to help him with daily life.

The Luca Foundation was set up last December by six women who decided to rally round to help Luca and his family. At the time he needed a specialist frame, which wasn’t available on the NHS.

Kerrie Phillips, Kayleigh Patterson, Emma Sutton, Linda Bateman and Katrina Heaton set up the Luca Foundation to fundraise to pay for this vital piece of equipment.

Eventually the frame was provided by the NHS but the group chose to continue their fundraising in order to buy other much-needed equipment for Luca.

So far the group has taken part in mud runs and sponsored walks; held a car treasure hunt, bingo and quiz nights; a Christmas party, a cake sale and have entered a float in Letterston Carnival. It has also been given a very generous £1,500 from Round Table.

The money raised will help equip a sensory room in Luca’s home and purchase a hoist to help his mother, Janine, get him in and out the car more easily.

The foundation will then continue to fundraise for other local youngsters in need.

“We will continue to help others in the inspiration of Luca,” said Katrina. “When he gets the right equipment, he can do what ever he wants. We are hoping to help other children and young adults in Pembrokeshire.

“The money raised at the ball will go towards Luca and after that we will be able to help others. There are already three people who have come forward needing help and equipment.”

Janine, said she was overwhelmed by the amount of help the family had received.

“A lot of the equipment is to help him but it will also help our family environment,” she said. “I just don’t know how to say thank you. It’s absolutely lovely. I can’t put it into words.”

The Luca Foundation ball will take place on Saturday, November 10 at Wolfscastle Country Hotel. Starting at 7pm. Tickets cost £35. There will be a three-course meal, music by Honey Fungus, guest speaker Ryan Foot, a raffle and an auction with fantastic prizes including £100 cash, a helicopter ride, a holiday voucher, a spa day and a signed Scarlett’s ball.

For tickets see Optional Masked Ball on www.eventbrite.co.uk.