FAMILIES struggling to cope with the devastating effects of muscular dystrophy are angry that they are still waiting for vital support they have been promised.

Despite a vow from health chiefs that a much needed care advisor would be hired for Hampshire by the end of last year, parents with youngsters suffering from the life-limiting disease are still without help.

Now Julie-Anne Baseley and other frustrated families are demanding to know why bosses have failed to fill the post they promised.

Julie-Anne and her partner Stuart Layton have been fighting for more support since their four-year-old son, Jack, was diagnosed with the disease in May last year.

Muscular Dystrophy is a group of hereditary muscle diseases that weaken the muscles progressively, causing disabilities.

Julie-Anne, of Wickham, said: “Having a care adviser will be invaluable. You cannot put a price on how it will feel to get somebody who understands you and can point you in the right direction for help, whether medical or practical, with disability forms.

“This shows a complete lack of respect for us but this is my son’s life and I am not going to back down until we get what was promised.”

A spokesman from South Central Health Authority NHS Trust said they were disappointed things had taken longer than anticipated but wouldn’t say what had caused the delay.

Interviews will take place in March, he added.