27-04-2025
Family fighting for awareness of son's rare condition with games day
A family whose son is battling a rare condition hosted a quirky board game day to raise money and awareness.
Richard Cooper, from Weymouth, held an Alien-themed games day where families could play classic boardgames and play with Funko figures, to raise money for Tuberous Sclerosis Association.
The event was held at the Dry Dock on St Thomas Street at the weekend, with the family there to welcome players.
As previously reported, Richard along with his partner Claire Garry decided to raise awareness for their son's condition, Tuberous Sclerosis Complex, which causes him to have upwards of 15 seizures a day and grow tumours uncontrollably through his body.
(Image: Claire Garry)
TSC is defined as a rare genetic condition that causes tumours to develop on vital organs such as the brain, skin, heart, and lungs. Some of the tumours can be cancerous.
When Richard and Claire found out their son's heart had been affected while Claire was still pregnant, they were left worried about how much time they would have with their precious son.
Claire said: 'It sticks in my mind, and it hit home the seriousness of what our little boy could have."
At the Alien-themed event which coincided with Alien Day, a global celebration of the Alien film franchise, Richard said families had been in and enjoyed the selection of games on offer, from Jumanji, Indiana Jones and PACMAN.
Richard said: 'Families have really enjoyed it. They took a fancy to the Alien boardgame and the Funko characters.'
At midday the event had raised around £35 in person and more than £100 on Richard's JustGiving page.
(Image: Claire Garry)
As well as the support from donations that will greatly help the TSA charity fund research into the complex, Richard said the day had also united families in Weymouth who have children with TSC.
He said: 'There have been a few families that have contacted me saying they'll come down as their kids are affected by it.'
When the couple received the news that their unborn son would have the rare condition, the couple were devastated. It is typically a hereditary condition but has affected their son by freak chance.
Richard said: 'At the time it felt like a cruel joke. But he really gets by. He loves his music. He's loves Razorlight and Torn by Natalie Imbruglia. There are some songs that he will just stop to.'
Richard hopes the fundraiser can become an annual event to raise money for the great cause. In the future, he hopes to team up with Comicon events in Weymouth to target a bigger audience.
Donations can still be made through Richards Just Giving page
