THE parents of a Greenock teenager who suffers from a life-limiting condition have told how an ‘extraordinary’ children’s hospice has helped them face an uncertain future.

Medics say that Thomas Arthur, who developed severe cerebral palsy after being struck down with meningitis as a baby, is unlikely to make it to adulthood.

But his family are determined not to dwell on the heartbreak they face.

With the support of Robin House Children’s Hospice in Balloch, his mum Tricia and dad Tommy have poured all their energies into giving the 19-year-old as many opportunities as they can — and their ‘wee hero’ is thriving in response.

Today they have opened their hearts about their incredibly courageous son as a thank-you to the hospice which they say is a truly amazing place.

Tommy said: “When Thomas was a baby he took ill with meningitis and it caused brain damage and severe cerebral palsy.

“It was frightening, as he was given the last rites and was baptised because he was so ill.

“But against all the odds he pulled through.” Mum of five Tricia also vividly remembers how she felt at the time.

She said: “It was a scary time.

“But he’s so brave — he’s my wee hero as nothing gets him down.

“We’re lucky to get him to the age he’s at, as the doctors said his life expectancy would probably be his mid to late teens.” Throughout his life, Thomas, who uses facial and hand expressions to communicate and is wheelchair bound, has been in and out of hospital.

But his parents say that it never gets him down.

Tricia said: “Thomas is a big personality, he’s always got a massive smile on his face and is really popular with the nurses.

“He loves getting out and about and we’ve been on so many holidays to Blackpool.” The Arthur family’s life changed when medics put them in touch with Robin House, which is run by the Children’s Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS).

Tricia said: “In April 2012 we went through quite a difficult time as Thomas was in and out of hospital and although he’s been ill before, I felt like I was trying to climb a mountain but I couldn’t get to the top.

“I felt isolated and alone — like my whole world was crumbling.” But after visiting Robin House, the family, who live in Campbell Street, say they have never looked back.

Tricia said: “The hospice are second to none.

“It’s like a hotel, Thomas absolutely loves it, especially the hydro pool.” The hospice has also been a huge support to Tricia and Tommy.

Tricia said: “You can go in to the hospice and you can talk about how you feel or you can go in and not say anything at all and they understand.

“It’s also great to be with other families who are in similar situations.” The couple say that without the hospice they would not have been able to attend their daughter’s wedding for the whole day.

Tommy said: “Thomas wasn’t well on the day so Robin House stepped in and a nurse and care worker took him to the wedding.

“It was a great day as Thomas got in all the photos and enjoyed the meal.

“Without their support it would have been difficult.” Tommy, who is a self employed plumber and a voluntary driver with Inverclyde Voluntary Council, says the family are making every day count.

He said: “We take each day at a time and make the most of every day.

“We don’t look too far into the future.” Tricia added: “We don’t want sympathy but just want to raise awareness of the hospice and the amazing work it does as a charity, and hope that this might help someone else who has a child with a disability.” For more information about CHAS visit www.chas.org.uk