A YOUNG Kent boy with brain damage could be heading to Egypt to swim with wild dolphins to help with his severe learning difficulties. A group of volunteers from Maidstone are trying to raise several thousand pounds to take Shaun Revell, 13, and his family on a therapy trip to the Red Sea in April.

Shaun, a pupil at Five Acre Wood School, Maidstone, is unable to talk or write and will require round-the-clock care for the rest of his life. His mother, Melanie, 31, said: "Things can be difficult but you just get on with it. He is a very good looking boy but he can be very loud and naughty."

Mrs Revell and her husband, Shane, 33, from Lenham, were contacted by representatives of the International Dolphin Watch organisation earlier this month, who heard about their son's problems. Shaun will be one of the first people from this country to swim with the wild dolphins.

His parents, younger brother Sam, six, and his one-to-one carer will accompany Shaun on the trip. They are all hoping the experience will have some positive effect on his communication and behaviour. Mrs Revell, stressed: "You read reports about children with communication problems going out there and it helping. We are trying not to think too optimistically. We have accepted Shaun for the way he is and any improvement will be great."

International Dolphin Watch was set up in 1978 by the British doctor Horace Dobbs. Shinina Fernandez, who is co-ordinating Shaun's trip, has been a keen supporter of the organisation's work for many years. She said: "Many people have experienced remarkable healing by being in the presence of the wild dolphins. Unfortunately it is not possible for many people to have this experience, so there is a focus on future vision to build a tactile sensory dome in the UK."

Anyone wishing to help with the fund-raising is asked to call Shinina Fernandez on 01622 755717.