Guitar raffled to help fulfil poorly young boy's dream of swimming with dolphins

David Cook, who lives in South Shields is raffling a guitar worth £1,200 to help raise money for his eight-year-old nephew, William Calvert after he was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy (MD).

David entered a competition ran by Son's of Eden band member Ben Potts to win the guitar so he could raise money for William.

He said: “I entered the competition so I could raffle the prize and help make a dream come true for William.

"He is suffering from such a horrible disease and it’s life-limiting so I want to do everything I can to help all his dreams come true.”

William, who lives in Sunderland was diagnosed with duchenne muscular dystrophy in 2015 - a condition that gradually causes the muscles to weaken.

He added: “If people purchase just one ticket to win this it would help tremendously – it will all be going towards a fantastic cause.

"It’s a lovely guitar and people can do what they like with it after, it would make a fantastic Christmas present!

"Will is a lovely lad, he is always happy and cheerful – he always has a grin on his face so I’d love to help make one of his dreams come true.”

David is selling raffle tickets online to raise funds and raise awareness of the disease.

William’s mum Caroline said: “Will loves sealife, he is always watching documentaries on sharks, dolphins and whales.

"We wanted to try and swim with dolphins this year as it’s something he has always wanted to do but it didn’t happen due to covid.

"David is adamant that he is going to arrange for Will to swim with dolphins and he has set out to raise the money, which is lovely and we appreciate so much.”

Mr Cook hopes the money raised will mean William will be able live his dream next year.

Caroline added: “Will is so brave and he is such a happy, loving person – we are so grateful to everyone who supports him.”

Tickets for the raffle cost £2.50 and can be bought here.

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