'We need to see a specialist to get a diagnosis so we know what we're fighting'.

These are the words of Jackie Tooker, 45, the grandmother of six-year-old Aston Tooker, who she claims suffers from fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD).

Jackie and her husband, Brad, from Brean, started caring for Aston when he was just four weeks old after both of his parents left him.

When he was three years-old Jackie said she and teachers at Aston's pre-school began to notice he suffered with behavioural issues and problems with his memory and made an appointment with his GP.

"Aston's mother drank when she was pregnant with him and I believe he suffers from FASD," Jackie said.

"He suffers with behavioural issues, struggles to concentrate and often has issues with his memory so we have to prompt him, there is a lot of sensory work involved."

FASD can occur if a woman drunk alcohol during her pregnancy and can lead to a number of physical and mental problems including behavioural issues and learning difficulties.

In a bid to help him, Jackie and Brad are now working to raise £3,500 so he can see a specialist to see if he suffers from the condition.

"It has a big effect on his life, he is a bit behind at school as he struggles with being in classes but he is improving," Jackie said.

"He now has the support of an occupational therapist at school which is good but there is still a long way to go.

"We are hoping to raise £3,500 as we need to see a specialist to get a diagnosis for Aston so we know what we are fighting.

"I want to raise awareness of FASD as it can take such a long time for someone to be diagnosed if they don't have physical symptoms."

To raise funds Jackie reached out to a number of local businesses and friends for help and said she has been 'overwhelmed' by the support she and Aston have received.

"We have had some fantastic support so far, we are nearly halfway to reaching our target," Jackie said.

"I would first like to say a big thank you to McColl's in Brean and to the Sunspot Cafe for putting charity boxes up in their shops.

"Next I would like to thank Sarah Keirle and Tammy-Marie Larson and crew who did facepainting at SomerRock in Bridgwater and raised £2,500 which will be split between Aston and another young girl.

"I would also like to say a huge thank you to my husband Brad, Luke Organ, Bex Ward, David and Tina Whatley and Toby and Jeff French who did Tough Mudder on Saturday (August 18) to raise money for Aston.

"This money will help us to get Aston the help he needs."

Jackie said later this month Brad will be hosting a fishing competition at Burnham-on-Sea Holiday Village and on September 2 the Tough Mudder team will be running the Bridgwater Half Marathon to raise more funds for Aston.

For more information or to donate visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/helpingaston