A MOTHER told this week how the years in Knutsford before her son was diagnosed with a brain tumour were the happiest in her life.

Anne Tooley, 46, said the family's situation was now unrecognisable from the time they spent in Cranford Avenue.

"I've given up work and we've really dedicated ourselves to being there for him," she said.

Tom's parents take it in turns to be either with him at a rehabilitation centre in Oxford or with their other two children - Antoine and Chloe - in Cirencester, Gloucestershire.

On Thursday Mrs Tooley said the family, who were involved members of Knutsford Parish Church, still draw strength from their friends in Cheshire.

"In Knutsford there was a very strong group of people who mostly lived away from their families," she said.

Before he was diagnosed with the brain tumour Tom, now 16, learned the guitar and enjoyed playing tennis and badminton. "You look back at photos and he looked perfectly okay," said Mrs Tooley.

"There was no hint then that anything was wrong. Those were my happiest years."

Tom, a former Bexton Primary pupil, was told he had a brain tumour six years ago.

He underwent two major operations but suffered complications during the second which left him paralysed and unable to breathe, eat or speak.

"It was horrendous," said Mrs Tooley. "It's when you come to the realisation that you've got a disabled child."

The family are now building an extension at their house so Tom can return to live at home in October for the first time in more than a year.

On Saturday Tom was due to join more than 70,000 people at the Reading festival to watch world famous band such as Metallica and Linkin Park.

"We've got to take two ventilators, six cylinders of oxygen and all the emergency equipment," said Mrs Tooley.

"The carers have got a van that we have to book in advance to take it all."

For more information about fundraising for the family's extension call Sue Macdonald on 01606 784 714 or reporter Andrew McCreaddie on 01565 751114.