Annual Gig in the Garden to raise cash for Connor

A N event in Middleton this month will help raise funds for a four-year-old boy who is one of only two people in the UK with a particular rare genetic condition.

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Gig in the Garden will be held at the Ring o Bells on May 25 to raise cash for Connor Murphy.

Connor, from Darlington, was identified as having HIVEP-2 at the age of two after it became clear he wasn't hitting his developmental milestones.

Following a series of tests, a 'Genetic Alteration Variant of Uncertain Significance' identifying HIVEP-2 was found, which means the doctors can't officially diagnose his condition because there just isn't enough known about it right now.

There are currently only 55 children in the world recognised by the NHS to have this alteration - only two in the UK.

Connor's dad Ben Murphy, 34, a military policeman, said: “Connor can’t walk unaided, he has muscle weakness and a lack of dexterity and is non-verbal.

“However, he can communicate to a degree through Makaton, and often gets frustrated when his hands can’t keep up with his thoughts! He enjoys, books, animals and watching any form of motorsports.