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Terminally ill 8-year-old Draven Jefferies, from Hawkinge, ticks off some of his 'bucket list' created by mum Jemma Godden

15:47, 08 May 2018

updated: 11:11, 27 September 2019

A mum of three from Hawkinge has said she's 'amazed' about the support she has received so far from total strangers after she tragically announced she was creating a 'bucket list' for her son.

Draven Jefferies is now eight-years-old, but had a difficult start in life when he was born with no oesophagus and his lungs were attached to his stomach and spent eight months in intensive care.

But the distress didn't end there, as a clinician diagnosed Draven with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and a rare gene mutation.

Draven at the Grass Race Track (1653555)
Draven at the Grass Race Track (1653555)

The terminal illness means the boy will need to use a wheelchair before his teens.

KentOnline recently reported how his mum Jemma Godden, 33, is sharing their story to raise awareness of the condition.

Since then, hundreds of donations have flooded in, including money and experience days.

The family recently went to Tenerife to swim with dolphins, and last month, Draven was invited as guest of honour to the semi final of the European Grass Track Championships by the Astra Grass Track Club at Swingfield.

Jemma, of Parker Place said: "It was absolutely amazing.

"Darren who organised it went out of his way. Draven was like a celebrity!"

Draven and his family at Disneyland Paris (1653571)
Draven and his family at Disneyland Paris (1653571)

He even got to travel in a sidecar and take home the winners trophy.

She continued: "It restores your faith in people because they do care."

One of the main things Draven wanted to do on his list was visit Disneyland Paris, which he did last month.

Ms Godden said: "He didn't believe that we were going! We got some beautiful photos.

"We didn't do everything he wanted, but he's got that experience."

Draven and his family at Disneyland Paris (1653573)
Draven and his family at Disneyland Paris (1653573)

Ms Godden says the memories they've made so far have softened the blow, but things got tough recently when she had to explain to her daughter Josie, 10, the extent of Draven's illness and why so many activities were being planned ahead of his operation later this month..

She said: "It's an amazing distraction. There isn't anything I can physically do, all I can do is keep that smile on his face.

"I'd love for them to create as many memories as possible together."

To sponsor Draven's adventures, visit his Go Fund Me page.

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