A £40,000 fundraising campaign to help a couple adapt their house so it is suitable for their 14-year-old son who has cerebral palsy and epilepsy got off to a great start with an event at Warminster School.

School photographer Jon Edkins, from Mere, has launched a crowdfunding campaign to cover the cost of building the small extension, which will house bathroom facilities and a bedroom for William, who needs 24-hour supervision.

At present, William does not have access to downstairs facilities and the bathroom is now not big enough for a wheelchair, a hoist and a care giver.

To kickstart the fundraising campaign, pupils and staff past and present came together for an afternoon tea which raised around £1,000, pushing the total to just over £5,000.

Mr Edkins said: “My wife Karen and I are overwhelmed by the support shown by everyone at Warminster School.

“We enjoyed a lovely afternoon, with lots of cake and William shared a joke with the headmaster.

“He has had over 15 major operations and will require regular surgery throughout his life. William’s seizures can come at any time although the majority come during sleep, meaning he needs constant supervision.

“William is a very special 14-year-old with a wicked sense of humour. He has severe problems with his hips, pelvis and back and has a constant battle with pain.

“The Warminster community always pull together and we are truly appreciative of all that is being done. I want to say a huge thank you from all of us.”

Headmaster Mark Mortimer said: “It was wonderful to see the school community come together to eat cake. It did not take much persuading! However, the main reason was to support the fundraising for William, the inspirational son of the school photographer, Jon Edkins, from local firm David Wiltshire Photography.

“The School places a lot of emphasis on the idea of service to others and the pupils’ response to the campaign has underlined this, as well as highlighting the esteem in which Jon is held at Warminster School.”

To donate visit https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/WilliamEdkins?utm_id=2&utm_term=eQZxKdDWY