Family is raising cash to help fight boy's rare illness

Caiden travels to Italy for vital treatment

- BY SUSAN NEWTON

A MUM is fundraising for treatment for her son's rare illness in Italy.

Now aged 11, Caiden Wakerley was just five years old when he was diagnosed with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA).

The condition affects his ankles, hips, neck, shoulder, wrists and fingers.

Caiden was only able to learn how to ride a bike at the age of nine and is affected daily by the painful disorder.

To try their best for Caiden, the Wakerley family, including dad Graham and daughters Ellie and Khaleesi, have regularly travelled over to Italy for treatment, with Caiden being seen by a specialist MCTD doctor in Milan.

However, in April, Dawn says she was told Caiden was unable to carry on with his treatment overseas until his platelet levels improved, claiming the trips were “blocked” by UK doctors who said it wasn’t in his best interests.

Since then though, the family have been given the go-ahead to return to Italy and continue with the treatment that has had a life-changing affect on Caiden.