The parents of a little boy who was born deaf are trying to give him the best chance to catch up with his peers when he starts school next year.
Oliver Bosch had revolutionary brain surgery in Italy, with the help of funds from the Dundee public, which enabled him to hear in February 2013.
Since then Oliver, now four, has come on leaps and bounds and delighted parents Jemma and Ben by saying his first word.
Now they hope another session at a specialist hearing centre at The John Tracy Clinic in Los Angeles will give him the best possible start at school.
Mum Jemma said: “They clinic is great because there are children of various degrees of deafness and it helps to bring the out of their shell a bit.”
Oliver attended the clinic last year, at a cost of £20,000, and Jemma said it made a real difference to him.
She said: “Before he went he was doing about six signs, and after he came back he had about 50.
“2016 will be the last year we can go as Oliver will turn five and start school after the summer and the clinic is only for preschool kids only to bring them up to speed with their peers.”
Jemma said the chance to learn with other children with hearing difficulties not only helps Oliver but the whole family benefit from the clinic, including eight-year-old older sister Darcy who attends a siblings’ class.
She added: “We know how much good it did him last year and we just want to give Oliver the best chance when he starts school next year.
“People don’t always what a big impact being deaf is. He will face challenges all of his life but having the operation and being able to hear makes him less isolated.
“This clinic helps us to understand how to better support him.”
A friend of the family has offered to give the proceeds of a show to the appeal.
Comedy hypnotist Acari, aka Forrester McKelvie, has offered to give the proceeds of his upcoming show at the Whitehall Theatre on December 5 to the cause.
Tickets are available at the Dundee Box Office.
The family moved to Carnoustie so Oliver could attend Carlogie Primary, which has its own specialist deaf unit, and he also attends the nursery where he enjoys playing with the instruments.
To find out more visit the Oliver Bosch Appeal on Facebook or donate at www.oliverboschappeal.org.