A MUM and dad are singing the praises of a charity that has supported their triplet sons, who have been plagued by illness since they were born.

Sam, Ben and Joe Cunningham, of Stockton Heath, have suffered medical problems throughout their three years of life and as a result the family received a helping hand from Home-Start Warrington.

Ben and Joe, who are identical, have been diagnosed with a chromosome syndrome called 7q deletion 31.1-32.2, a rare genetic disorder that only three other youngsters have.

Meanwhile Sam has asthma and glue ear and when he was five-weeks-old he suffered a bout of meningitis and was put on a life support machine.

Parents Beverley and Andrew Cunningham, aged 44 and 45, of Ellesmere Road, have expressed gratitude for the support they have been given by Home-Start volunteers, who help families across the borough.

This has included 1,026 hours spent with the family, which is equivalent to a total of 27 weeks.

The volunteers assisted with dressing, feeding and changing the toddlers, along with going on outings to shops and parks and helping with medical appointments.

Beverley, a qualified midwife, has three older children Naomi, Lucy and Charles Lambert, aged 25, 22 and 20, and her and Andrew also have a son called Thomas, aged eight.

She said: “There has been enormous pressure placed on the family as the triplets have constantly been in and out of hospital.

“A week doesn’t go by when there are not attending medical appointments. Co-ordinating a family of this size does not come without a challenge and our lives have been turned upside down.

“Without Home-Start’s help we would have felt isolated and alone so we are really grateful to them.

Ben and Jo need constant care as they are unable to speak because of the syndrome and they tire easily due to breathing problems, for which they often need oxygen.

The pair also display autistic and dyspraxic tendencies and they have trouble controlling their temperature.

They are learning to communicate through makaton, a method of sign language.

Joe underwent open heart surgery to correct a vascular ring, a rare heart condition, which was diagnosed on Beverley and Andrew’s first wedding anniversary in July 2008.

Home-Start, based in Longford, is currently recruiting volunteers. If you would like to help and have three spare hours a week call 652320.

The trust is also looking for people to take part in Warrington’s English Half Marathon on September 18 at Victoria Park.

If you are interested call the number as above or e-mail office@homestart-warrington.org.uk.