A FAMILY who have helped hundreds suffering with the same disease as their ‘fighter’ of a son have launched an ambition to create a hospice.

The Abel Foundation, which helps those diagnosed with the life-threatening illness Mitochondrial Disease and their families, has begun its fundraising by hosting a music festival in its bid to open a centre of excellence in Andover offering support, information and care.

The charity was founded after Pride of Andover award winners Tony and Claire Noakes’ son Abel was diagnosed with the disease and was given only hours to live but has beaten all odds and is now four-years-old.

Also in this week’s paper:

- Father died in lake after taking drugs

- Nurse sets up new mental health support hub

- Man overdosed on prescription drugs after years battling illness

- Independent school set to open sixth form

- Photos from Norman Gate School’s summer fete

- Health centre forced to close its doors at four day’s notice

- News from our patches, including Whitchurch and Overton and Tidworth and Ludgershall

- YOUR letters

- Two pages of local sport

- And much, much more!

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