A MOTHER who was told her son wouldn't survive past his first birthday has praised a hospice and a music therapy service.

Joe, 11, had a seizure when he was ten months old which led to extensive brain damage, but was born prematurely with Cardiofaciocutaneous Syndrome (CFC Syndrome), as well as a hole in the heart, very limited vision and movement, and respiratory problems.

But music therapist Kirsty, provided by Noah's Ark Children's Hospice in Palmers Green, has been "lifechanging".

His mum, Toni, said: “My little boy Joe has been on quite a journey. I was told that he probably wouldn’t survive past his first birthday.

“Joe is now 11 – I feel like he’s a kind of Mr Invincible.”

Kirsty and comes to Joe's home every Thursday.

Toni, added: “Joe went to school for four years but it didn’t seem to be working so I home-school him now.

“This means I’m mum, I’m physio, I’m nurse, I’m social worker, I’m teacher, I’m a bit of everything.

“That’s why it’s so good to have Kirsty because she’s someone with a different voice, different ideas and can communicate with Joe in a completely different way.”

With Kirsty’s help Toni has discovered more of the things her son can do rather than seeing what he finds challenging.

Toni, explained: “I saw that he can smile, communicate through music and make choices.

“I saw it with my own eyes when, I saw him with Kirsty.

“So, we’ve started doing it with him now, even down to which cake he wants to make – we tell him ‘Joe, go for the chocolate mix.

“With Noah’s Ark, I know I can relax, let my guard down a little bit because I’m in a safe environment. I see Joe benefit every time Kirsty arrives with what we call her ‘Magic Case’ of instruments.”

Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice aims to care and support children and young people from birth who have life-limiting or life-threatening conditions so they can live full lives and achieve aspirations.

It has now launched its summer appeal. On May 26, people are asked to wear their wackiest

A children’s hospice which cares for young people with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions has launched its summer appeal.

Noah’s Ark in Palmers Green is to hold a family orientated event on Friday May 26 during Children’s Hospice Week during which children and families will be invited to dress up in their loudest and wackiest clothes and make a donation.

Children’s Hospice Week runs from Monday May 22 to Sunday May 28.

To contact Noah’s Ark in Palmers Green telephone 020 8449 8877 or visit www.noahsarkhospice.org.uk for further information.