Cherished Memories offers the families of terminally-ill children a chance to enjoy a day to remember. Reporter Elisa Bray spoke to one family whose lives have been changed by the charity ...

For Simon and Bobby Akhurst, Cherished Memories has been a godsend after their only son, Mitchell, was diagnosed with global developmental delay at six months old.

Mitchell, now 13, is blind, suffers from epilepsy and, because he is as vulnerable as a newborn baby, is cared for by nurses at the family's home in Portman Close, Dartford.

Through the charity the couple and their daughters Reece, 15, a pupil at Dartford Technology College, Roberta, nine, and Josephine, six, who both attend Maypole School, have been whisked away with Mitchell for days to remember.

During one day out the family met members of the pop group Fast Food Rockers.

Suzette Bradnam set up Cherished Memories seven years ago and, in early 2003, it became a registered charity.

The mother-of-three, who also runs a bed and breakfast near Brands Hatch, said: "It gets really upsetting sometimes. The other siblings are the ones picking up the threads of reality. They can't have friends over and when someone visits the family it's only the sick child who gets presents.

"The siblings can be resentful and then they go on an immense guilt trip. I've seen children who are chronically depressed."

She added: "It's about giving unique days of family bonding. It has to be a unique day to help the siblings with the grieving process after.

"Anybody can have a holiday but they can't buy the day I create.

"It's what they're left with after the day which is important. They have good memories."

Through Cherished Memories, Mitchell went for a flight in a light aircraft at Biggin Hill airport and won a bravery award for flying.

He has also been driven around Brands Hatch racing track and with his family he took part in the Waddington International Air Show.

Mrs Akhurst, who is training to be a counsellor, says Cherished Memories provides essential time-out for the family and focuses on the other children.

She said: "The experience has been wonderful. As a parent you need time to look after a child.

"It is difficult for the other children because parents tend to spend more time with the child with special needs. I try to spend time with my girls emotionally they've missed out."

Both Mitchell's hips are dislocated and he will need to undergo surgery next month. Five years ago, following a major operation, he had a tracheotomy.

Mrs Akhurst added: "Cherished Memories gives a lot of focus to the other children in the family. So often my other children have sad memories of Mitchell in hospital but this gives us happy memories.

"When out with Cherished Memories I don't have to worry about anything and we're made to feel brilliant."

For more information about the charity call 01322 272535.