A TEENAGER with a rare degenerative disease got to enjoy a holiday of a lifetime, thanks to a Cotswold charity.

Oliver Robinson and his family were part of the group who enjoyed a week’s holiday organised by Allsorts.

The Stroud-based charity which supports Gloucestershire families who have children with disabilities, took 14 families to the Calvert Trust Exmoor.

The adventure holiday centre in Exmoor is designed to enable people with physical disabilities and learning difficulties experience outdoor activities.

Allsorts raised £17,000 to subsidise the trip.

For Oliver’s family, it was a holiday of a lifetime because, for once, they simply felt part of the crowd.

“It was simply wonderful to feel normal,” said Karen Robinson, Oliver’s mother.

“We could sit in the dining room and be accepted as ordinary.

“The whole trip was fantastic. Ollie got to do things and be included in everything and he was so happy. Usually he is left on the sidelines.”

Oliver, who attends Bettridge School in Cheltenham, has Sanfilippo syndrome, a rare degenerative condition which causes physical and learning difficulties.

Oliver is hyperactive and still able to walk sometimes unaided.

Oliver went on the trip with his parents Karen and Stuart and brother Sam, aged 12.

They live in Fairford.

While there Oliver, who is aged 15, tried the climbing, canoeing, abseiling and riding but it was the zipwire that he enjoyed the most.

“It was simply a brilliant holiday. Not only could Ollie be included in everything but we had the company of other families, who understand and who are in similar situations as our own,” said Karen.

“Without Allsorts we would never have had a holiday like this.”

“Lots of families who have a child with disability never get to go away together. Children with disabilities never get to do scary things, never get to enjoy that adrenalin rush of an outdoor activity. That’s why a trip like is this so important,” said Rachel Levay, manager of Allsorts, who has a daughter with a disability.

Allsorts supports families in Gloucestershire who have children, aged up to 24 years, with any disability or additional need. It supports 600 people and focuses on providing activities that the whole family can take part in.

To make a donation or find out more, go to www.virginmoneygiving.com/charities/allsorts