Oswaldtwistle family frustrated by financial support cuts

The parents of two-year-old cerebral palsy sufferer Finley Rosbotham, mum Kelly and Asda baker Ivan, said they had used therapy sessions at Accrington’s Holly House to help overcome his problems.

Kelly gave up work to become a full time carer after realising the intensive clinical sessions would help him walk and talk.

However her decision means her tax credits have been cut by £30 a week and the family must pay childcare costs for Finley’s twin Ellie during his treatments.

The £50 weekly childcare bill would be paid for and the tax credits restored if her position as full time carer were classed as work.

Hyndburn MP Graham Jones queried the case with HMRC but they have written to him saying the family are receiving all they are entitled to.

As a result the Rosbothams have decided to cancel their 10-day family holiday to Salou in Spain, to help make ends meet.

Finley’s mother, Kelly Rosbotham said: “Friends of mine are holding a Holly House fundraiser on Friday and they asked did we want some of the money as a family.

"I said of course not, we don’t want charity, we only want what we are due from the government.

“I am penalised for my carer’s allowance with the tax credits - but not given the same childcare benefits as someone in work.

“Losing the holiday is sad because we work so hard and it is the only family time we get. However the twins’ care is more important.”

Two-year-old Finley’s amazing progress at Accrington clinic Holly House has recently seen him take his first steps despite being born paralysed down one side and with part of his brain missing.

MP Graham Jones said: “I am angry at this decision. Caring is a full-time job and should be treated as such.”

A fundraising evening for Holly House takes place on Friday evening at Brooks Club, Infant Street, Accrington at 7.30pm.

Last month Finley amazed doctors by defying the odds to take his first step, despite being born paralysed down one side.