“A GIFT that will give a Bicester-born father of two his own voice again in time for Christmas”.

That is how Steve McAleer, of Barry Avenue, described the charitable donations that have enabled his son James to buy vital equipment to cope with motor neurone disease.

The 38-year-old’s mobility and communication abilities have deteriorated since his diagnosis in January.

His dad Steve hosted a Dance for Jimmy on November 20, which raised £3,000 – enough for the speaking equipment and a £1,500 donation to the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA).

In a recorded message Mr McAleer junior said: “I take this opportunity to thank every company that gave so much and everyone who has taken the time to organise it.

“And thanks to the Oxford Mail for putting the feature in the paper, and especially to my dad.

“Not to mention everyone who has supported our cause. Thank you all. It would not have been a success without you.”

The dance raised enough funds for James to buy a computer which uses an eye scanner to enable him to communicate. He now needs software from the MNDA and to pay a £500 licence fee.

Mr McAleer senior said: “After a lot of practice he will have his own voice in time for Christmas.

“We cannot tell you just how much difference this is going to make to James and his family, for him to have a voice again – his very own voice.”

Mr McAleer junior now lives with his wife Karen and two children Jamie, seven, and Lizzie, 15, in Fort William, Scotland.

Before moving, he lived much of his life in Bicester and was landlord of the King Arms in Market Square where he met his wife.

The money raised at the dance for MNDA will go to help others affected by the disease.