FRIENDS and family have rallied round to ensure a four-year-old with a rare genetic condition is given the opportunity to thrive in a learning environment.

Zack Goodsell, of Herriard, has been diagnosed with KCNQ2, which means he has several complex conditions including being mute, epileptic and having visual impairment.

Zack’s mum Amelia, 41, wanted to give her son every opportunity she could, and wanted to get him into Treloar School, in Alton, which specialises in education for children with physical disabilities.

However, because of Hampshire County Council policy, she has to go through a lengthy assessment programme before being accepted.

Mrs Goodsell said: “We had to get all these independent assessment reports done for Zack, from physiotherapist to occupational therapist, it’s a lot to deal with, and it is very costly.

“A lot of families, like us, don’t have the money to spend to get these reports done, but when it is your child you want to do everything possible.”

This is why Mrs Goodsell set up the Zacky’s Dare to Dream campaign to pay for the assessments and to make sure her son’s future is in the best hands.

Since launching the campaign in late February, more than £8,000 has been raised, something the mother-of-two never expected to happen so quickly.

She added: “Its crazy people just want to help. When we had difficulties with Zack early on I think people wanted to help but they couldn’t really do a lot, now with the campaign they can actually put things into action. It is really humbling and it restores your faith in humanity.”

Mrs Goodsell said even when they reach the target of £50,000 they will continue to raise money to support families in a similar position to them.

To find out more, visit facebook.com/zackydaretodream