THE family of a seriously ill Carlisle teenager say they hope to get him home for Christmas where he can spend "whatever time he has left surrounded by the people who love him."

Harley Andrews, 15, has been in and out of hospital for most of his life and for the last five months has been cared for on a specialist neurological ward at Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary.

Harley is a twin who developed complications at birth due to twin to twin transfusion.

He has cerebral palsy and cannot walk, talk or eat and is fed through a hole in his stomach and has a tracheotomy fitted.

His parents, Melissa and Peter, divide their time between the hospital and caring for their other three sons in Carlisle.

Melissa said: "Last week we had a meeting of all Harley's doctors and everyone involved in his care back at home.

"Unfortunately none of the treatments they have tried have worked.

"Harley has become progressively worse throughout this long stay in hospital and now needs a ventilator to breath at night, can no longer sit unaided and has no head control.

"His seizures are still a huge problem but there is no more treatment available to him. He is now to be placed on palliative care only.

"The plan moving forward is to get him home where he can spend whatever time he has left surrounded by the people who love him and making everyday count.

"There are lots of things we need to get in place to make this happen, but we are hopeful we will have him back home for Christmas.We are just praying he hangs on until we can get him home. He’s struggling and he’s tired."

Regulars at The Plough Inn at Wreay, near Carlisle, are holding a pie and pea supper on Monday, December 17 to help Harley's family. There will also be an auction.

Melissa went on to thank everyone who has helped them in the last few months.

She said: "Thank you so much for all the love and support you have all given us and continue to give us."