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Faversham family of Thomas Fryer fulfil wish of visiting koalas at Longleat

The family of a terminally-ill little boy have fulfilled their wish of taking him to visit koala bears.

Thomas Fryer, from Faversham, was born with life-limiting brain condition lissencephaly, and is not expected to live far past the age of two.

Thomas and his brothers Frankie, five, and Jayden, 10, loved meeting Longleat's koalas. Picture: Jasmine Legg
Thomas and his brothers Frankie, five, and Jayden, 10, loved meeting Longleat's koalas. Picture: Jasmine Legg

He is blind, unable to walk or talk and also has epilepsy.

Thomas’ lissencephaly means his brain is totally smooth, like that of a koala bear - and the cuddly marsupials are very special to his family.

His mum, Jasmine Legg, said: “We just took a big love to them. We call Thomas our little koala.”

In February, Jasmine told KentOnline how her family was hoping to visit Longleat Safari Park in Wiltshire - home to England’s only koalas - to mark Thomas’ second birthday and make the poignant milestone as special as possible.

She hoped the trip would give Thomas’ brothers Frankie, five, and Jayden, 10, the chance to make some precious lasting memories.

The family enjoyed a carousel ride. Picture: Jasmine Legg
The family enjoyed a carousel ride. Picture: Jasmine Legg

The family launched a fundraiser to help pay for the trip, which was estimated to cost about £500.

But KentOnline managed to secure free tickets to Longleat for the family, along with a weekend stay at a nearby Premier Inn.

At the end of May, shortly before Thomas’ second birthday, the family went on their trip.

Jasmine described it as an “amazing” experience the family will “never forget”.

“We had the best day ever,” she said. “It was the most amazing, emotional experience meeting the koalas.

Thomas enjoying a 'jungle cruise' at Longleat. Picture: Jasmine Legg
Thomas enjoying a 'jungle cruise' at Longleat. Picture: Jasmine Legg

“We went straight to the koalas and stayed with them for a while.

“We were all just amazed. We could have stayed with them all day, they’re so lovely.”

The family then spent the day visiting “every single animal” at the park.

They took in a safari trip in their car, a train ride and a boat cruise where they saw hippos and fed sea lions, while Thomas also enjoyed a carousel ride and touching guinea pigs and snakes.

“We went to see the koalas six, probably seven times, and they were the last thing we saw at the end of the day,” said Jasmine.

Thomas with his brothers Frankie, five, and Jayden, 10. Picture: Jasmine Legg
Thomas with his brothers Frankie, five, and Jayden, 10. Picture: Jasmine Legg

“We stayed right until closing.

“Thomas really liked it. He enjoyed all his surroundings. It’s really disabled-friendly.

“It was just a really nice day. There were no slips - Thomas didn’t have a seizure while we were there, the boys had an amazing time, me and Anthony had an amazing time.

“It really was a really, really nice weekend.”

Thomas and his brothers were gifted a cuddly koala bear and other toys during their stay. Picture: Jasmine Legg
Thomas and his brothers were gifted a cuddly koala bear and other toys during their stay. Picture: Jasmine Legg

The family is still raising money through Justgiving, which will go towards making more happy memories.

Visit the Justgiving page here.

On May 31, Thomas celebrated his birthday with family and close friends.

“I like to think he had a good day,” said Jasmine.

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