PARENTS of a three-year old who has suffered a series of serious illnesses are appealing for funds to enable their son to do what every child is born to do - play.

Matthew Goode, of Balmoral Road, Watford, has suffered a series of infant illness - which began with seizures at the age of just six days old - linked with a condition originally described by medics as acute dehydration.

It was not until more than a year later that Matthew was diagnosed by specialists as being blind, and last year his parents were left to watch him struggle for life when he slipped into a week-long coma at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London.

Matthew, although diagnosed as blind, does have some crude residual vision, which his parents Katriona and Paul Goode want to try to encourage him to use.

They are currently trying to raise funds to buy multi-sensory equipment, such as bubble tubes and optic fibres, to enable Matthew to experiment and play safely.

Mrs Goode explained how, as a result of the illness, her son has not been able to develop the play skills most children of his age possess.

She said: 'The multi-sensory equipment will enable Paul and I to play with our son, and will allow him to play independently in a safe environment.'

To achieve this Mr and Mrs Goode plan to move to an open-plan house, where Matthew can have his own multi-sensory room and bathroom on the ground floor.

The family were delighted with the recent donation they received of £1,000, following a sponsored danceathon, organised by a Ruislip children's theatrical agency called Sole File.

Further funds, however, are still required and Mr and Mrs Goode would appreciate any contributions received for their son's cause.

Donations can be sent to the Matthew Goode Appeal, C/O The Watford Observer, 124 Rickmansworth Road, Watford, WD18 7JW (any cheques should be made payable to Mr P Goode).