Ten minutes later he's playing games and communicating with people via a hi-tech computer.

That may sound like a typical end-of-week chain of events for youngsters across the country but Tom Busby leads a rather different life to most children.

Born with quadriplegic cerebral palsy, Tom has little movement in his arms and legs, can speak no more than a few strained words and has spent most of his life in a wheelchair.

The computer he is using is no run-of-the-mill system either, but, in fact, a £12,000 machine controlled by Tom's eye movement. It enables Tom to communicate with his family, do homework or simply relax with games and music.

In 2006 the generosity of Mercury readers helped raise £8,000 towards the machine. Now, nearly 17 months on, the Mercury visited the Busby household in West Road, Pointon to see the difference it has made to Tom's life.

On arrival Tom's mum Heather, 40, immediately points out the impact the computer – known as a MyTobii Eyegaze – has had.

"He's able to express himself better, and we can now clearly see what a wonderful imagination he has," she said.

"It also means he can tell us if he's uncomfortable or hungry – it makes it easier for us as well."

At first glance the machine looks like a typical computer, with a monitor, keyboard and speakers.

But with Tom sitting in a chair facing the machine it becomes a different proposition.

An infra-red sensor box attached to the computer detects the youngster's eye movements and reacts, allowing him to pull a cursor across the screen.

Once Tom has decided what he wants, he rolls the cursor around the object on screen to select it. This can include choosing a simple template message, for example, letting his parents know he is hungry. Among other options available include putting together sentences for history homework or choosing a virtual book to read.

For someone who has been told he will never be able to speak normally, due to a lack of function in his neck muscles, the computer is there to provide an outlet for Tom to express himself more clearly.

Tom attends St Gilbert of Sempringham Primary School in Pointon and Heather says the impact the machine has made is evident in his schoolwork. She proudly shows off some history learning work which has been awarded a headteacher's commendation seal.

Heather, who like husband Richard is a teacher in Boston, said: "We've noticed the changes and differences it has made. It is able to provide resources for school and Tom is able to do more in class.

"He would get frustrated and before he would never do numeracy but the machine makes it easier for him to have go at it."

Tom spends most of his time in a wheelchair or walking frame and requires help to get dressed, make a drink and get out and about. This used to frustrate the youngster but Heather says that has changed dramatically.

"The computer has completely changed his communication," she said. "He can control his own environment and it's given him a chance to do what he wants to do," she said.

The Busbys are now setting up a music library, allowing their son to pick and choose what he wants to hear and giving him his own space.
Like any other eight year old Tom also enjoys having a bit of fun and has been using the hi-tech system to interact with his brother Joe, who is seven. The two of them enjoy playing Minesweeper together, as well as other games.

The Voice for Tom campaign was launched in the Mercury in July, 2006. Funds came flooding in – including an anonymous £2,000 donation – and within six weeks the Mercury's £8,000 target was reached.

Heather says the family is now looking to put remaining funds towards buying a portable computer stand to give Tom greater freedom to use the system in other areas of the house, as well as at a desk.

Keen to pay tribute to our readers' efforts in helping the family, she said: "I'd just like to say how and wonderful and fantastic they have been.

"We appreciate every-thing they have helped do for Tom.

"We are going to use everything they have provided."

Her husband, re-iterated her sentiments.

"There's so many ways this computer has changed Tom," said Richard, 43.

"He's nowhere near as frustrated now and his communication is improving.

"We are eternally grateful to everyone who helped with the appeal."
The final words should go to Tom, who has benefited from the public's generosity to use a machine which has had a significant impact on the way he can get his points across.

His eyes dart across the screen to form a sentence and then he stops, with a mischievous grin on his face, as the speakers state his grateful message: "Hello, how are you? Thank you."

* Mercury reporter Victoria Fear went to meet young Tom Busby, the boy Mercury readers took to their hearts.

Watch the video to see him in action