A PORT dad now living in Canada is calling on people from his home town to help transform his sick son’s life.

Jason Deegan, 39, is reaching out across the Atlantic on behalf of three-year-old Arran, who has Type 2 Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA).

The condition inhibits the tot’s ability to walk, stand or even crawl.

The desperate family, of Alliston in Ontario, are on a crusade to raise funds to help renovate their small bungalow to accommodate the boy’s wheelchair.

They told the Tele they have been heartened to learn that Inverclyde woman Julie Docherty is highlighting their plight to the Port and surrounding area.

Jason and wife Andrea, 32, are still coming to terms with the shock diagnosis, made in 2011, which led to Andrea giving up her job to become Arran’s full-time carer.

Jason, who grew up in Montrose Avenue, said: “We are deeply touched with Julie’s desire to help us from this far away.

“It means the world to us knowing we have support coming from my home town.

“Receiving Arran’s diagnosis was devastating.

“Limiting our family to one income has been extremely difficult and stressful, as we are unable to complete the necessary renovations to our home in order to make it accessible for Arran.” Funds raised for Arran will go towards a wheelchair accessible bathroom, layout and ramps.

They require around £50,000 to make renovations to their 50-year-old home.

The couple’s friend Julie, a teacher at St Andrew’s Primary in Greenock, said: “Arran’s dad and I went to St Stephen’s High School together and are good friends.

“It was a heartbreaking diagnosis for the family.

“This wee boy has had a lot to contend with, so he deserves a lifestyle that gives him that bit of independence and happiness.

“That’s limited at the moment because the house can’t properly accommodate him.

“This family need the funds to give this wee boy a better quality of life and I’m sure people across Inverclyde can help.” Julie is planning a sponsored walk around Port Glasgow to boost the family’s fundraising attempts.

To make a donation visit www.curesma.ca/donate.htm and click ‘donate online’ then select ‘Arran’s Army’ from the drop-down menu.