IPSWICH: A couple whose baby was born with a terminal muscular disease are preparing a day of fundraising to celebrate his short life – and to thank the “fantastic” nurses who cared for him.

Tiny Isaac Wilkins was born last October with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (Type 1), known as SMA, a neurological disease that prevents the muscles from developing and which left him very weak.

Thanks to the dedication and “brilliance” of the network of doctors and nurses they were helped by, Isaac’s parents, Sarah and Jason, who live in Creeting St Mary, near Needham Market, managed to spend five special months with him before he passed away peacefully in March.

Now, to show their appreciation to the Children’s Nursing Team (East), based at St Clements, in Foxhall Road, Ipswich, Mr and Mrs Wilkins have arranged a day of music, fun and food at – where better – Isaacs on the Quay, on Ipswich’s waterfront.

Isaac’s day at Isaacs will take place on July 25 and will feature live music from The Outlaws, The Cads, Chelsea Francis and others, while there will be “psycho magic” from Alex McAleer as well as a hog roast, barbecue and charity auction.

Mrs Wilkins, 26, said the community nurses were “always on the other end of the phone”, meaning Isaac was able to have 24-hour care.

She said: “They would also check up on us, too - they were truly amazing. They allowed us to enjoy Isaac as a baby, not a baby with SMA. We’re really grateful for all their help.

“I’m a bit anxious about the day because it’s something we have been building up to and now it’s coming up we’re just waiting for the day.

“It’s been so much hard work but so many people have been so kind and we just want it to be a big success. It’s all we seem to talk about the moment – we want it to go really well.”

On the day there will be a raffle with prizes including a �50 Coes voucher, an Anglia TV goodie bag, four cinema tickets and two adult day passes at a top spa.

The auction features a range of luxury and star-studded lots, including a four-piece bathroom suite, a stadium tour for four at Anfield – home of Liverpool – as well as tickets to a race meet at Newmarket and a signed Ipswich Town shirt.

The fun kicks off at Isaacs on the Quay at noon on Sunday, July 25 and there will be a collection on the door with all proceeds going to the nursing team.

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