'No one will write off my disabled son': Ed Davey speaks movingly about looking after his sick child

Energy Secretary describes his frustration at how disabled children are often treated as though they are stupid

By Gerri Peev

PUBLISHED: 18:27 EST, 24 September 2012 | UPDATED: 04:19 EST, 25 September 2012

Energy Secretary Ed Davey spoke movingly about his disabled son yesterday, insisting he will not let anyone write him off.

The Lib Dem minister takes his son John, who cannot walk or talk, to Hungary for treatment at the Peto Institute which specialises in teaching children how to move.

Mr Davey said when he tried to get NHS treatment when John was a baby, he was offered occupational therapy, speech therapy and physiotherapy, all of which had 12 months waiting lists.

We said thanks, but no thanks, Mr Davey said.

'My joy': Ed Davey with his son John, four, who suffers from a mystery condition and cannot walk or talk

John was initially diagnosed with cerebral palsy but tests at Great Ormond Street Hospital have found that diagnosis was wrong. It is not clear what he is suffering from.

John is my joy, hes five in November, but he has a few difficulties, Mr Davey told a Liberal Democrat fringe event. He cant walk or talk but he can understand you. Hes got a mean sense of humour.

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'No one will write off my disabled son': Ed Davey speaks movingly about looking after his sick child