Taio, aged two, only has around two years left to live (Image: Elizabeth Harper)

'Instinct' told Birmingham mum her son was ill and now he has two years to live

Shard End mum Elizabeth Harper hopes to throw an 'incredible party' for her two-year-old son

by · Birmingham Live

A mum-of-seven is raising money to host the "biggest party ever" for her toddler who only has around two years to live. Elizabeth Harper has watched two-year-old Taio "deteriorate" over the last 12 months.

Heartbroken Elizabeth said her "mother's instinct" told her something was wrong before doctors diagnosed the smiley youngster with rare genetic disease metachromatic leukodystrophy, MLD, at 11 months. The Shard End mum said Taio had shown signs of "slow development".

The 29-year-old, who is now calling for blood spot tests to be made mandatory for all newborns, told BirminghamLive: "I took Taio to the doctors numerous times. They didn't see what I saw at first.

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"Eventually, further testing revealed he had MLD. If they had caught it early, when I first told them something was wrong, he could have had gene therapy which would've prevented me from losing my child."

Elizabeth Harper said it has been devastating watching her two-year-old son deteriorate (Image: Elizabeth Harper)

Elizabeth said mandatory blood tests could potentially "save children's lives" and prevent other parents from "going through what I have". She said she hoped to get a petition in front of Parliament one day.

"But, for the moment, I'm focussing on throwing the biggest party ever for Taio," said Elizabeth who has organised a fundraiser at The New Bingley Hall in Hockley on December 1. Elizabeth's kind-hearted friend, Rose, has set up a GoFundMe page to help raise money for the event, which will be open to all families. Activities will include face painting and a bouncy castle.

Little Taio (Image: Elizabeth Harper)

Elizabeth added: "[Money raised] will be spent on the event. Anything leftover will be spent on making memories with Taio and my six children as a family. I am so grateful to everyone who has donated, offered their free services and sent me lovely messages.

"I love Taio so much. He is cheeky, and has the most beautiful smile. Watching him deteriorate has taken so much away from him. He can no longer crawl and will eventually go deaf and blind. We're devastated - but he is so loved."

CLICK HERE if you would like to donate towards the Go Fund Me page and help give Taio the best party ever.