A 10-year-old Whitehaven boy is the only person registered on a worldwide database with a rare chromosome.

Jake Fox has such a rare genetic disorder experts know it exists, but are unsure how it will affect his life.

Now his parents, Donna and Stephen, of Derwentwater Road, are aiming to raise awareness and money for Unique, a group which supports families whose children have a rare chromosome disorder.

Donna said: "Not everyone who has a genetic disorder is on the Unique database. but it is a worldwide charity and Jake is the only one registered with 'rare chromosome one'.

"Doctors know it exists but they don't have any information on how it well affect Jake's life.''

Over 14,000 individuals in over 90 countries are on the database.

Donna and Stephen, and their friends, are currently in training to take part in Total Warrior on August 6 to raise £2,000 for Unique.

The couple found out about Jake's condition -- which involves his chromosome 15 and rare chromosome one -- just two years ago after they realised he wasn't hitting his milestones. He was also recently diagnosed with ADHD, has seizures and is being tested for autism.

Donna said: "It was hard when we found out. Jake is just Jake to us. He is vulnerable, struggles with anxiety and he also has short-term memory loss.

"But he loves puzzles and building lego, is artistic and loves swimming.

"If he is having a meltdown in public, I would like people to know he isn't being naughty.''

The couple took part in a study which analysed their DNA and it was discovered Jake had inherited his chromosome condition from Donna.

She is a carrier so doesn't exhibited symptoms, but she and her family continue to be involved in the research in order "to help others''.

Donna said: "We wanted to know as much as possible about Jake's condition. On their site, people can learn from Jake, as every child is different, and we can ask questions of other families.''

Those taking part in Unique Warrior with the couple with Donna and Stephen are Diane Mellon, Amelia Cardy, Jamie Todd, and Reece Etherington.

"Jake is teaching us as parents. We are learning to adapt to his needs and understand who he is,'' Donna said. "By speaking out I am hoping we will be able to help another family.''

The family has also been helped by CAMHS and Dr Chang, a paediatrician at the West Cumberland Hospital, and Asda at Dunmail Park for their support.

To donate to the fundraising text

For more details about Unique go to www.rarechromo.org