A MUM has started a fundraising campaign to improve the quality of life for her son who has cerebral palsy.
Laura Palmer, of Merstham, is trying to raise £2,000 for her 22-month-old son Theo Snelling to help buy the equipment he desperately needs to make life easier.
Theo has cerebral palsy, a neurological condition which impairs muscle co-ordination.
Miss Palmer said: "He's a really happy and determined little boy, but obviously he does find things difficult. The only movement he has made is being able to roll over, but he wants to walk around and play."
To help aid Theo's mobility, Miss Palmer is raising funds with Tree of Hope, a charity which will hold the money in a trust fund for use whenever Theo needs something.
Miss Palmer, who is a full time carer for Theo, explained: "We are grateful for all the NHS does, but they have to fight for funding too."
"It's a battle to get things but they provide most of the basic equipment, so he's got a walking frame, but they are just the basic bog-standard things.
"The other stuff just helps make life a bit better."
An example of equipment Miss Palmer would buy with the funds is a Firefly GoTo seat from manufacturer Leckey, which Miss Palmer says will make trips outside easier: "When we get out and about the seat can be attached to a chair and so when we go out he can have his own chair."
Miss Palmer believes the biggest difficulty the pair face is how Theo's condition makes him feel: "I think what causes most problems is his frustration, he's an intelligent child for his age. He knows what's going on and when his physical disabilities are holding him back he can get quite angry and quite cross."
"Also, we do not know what's going to happen in the future. I think long term, will he be able to do things by himself? Will he have to use a wheel chair? I'm worrying about schools because he needs to be some where supportive with his needs."
Miss Palmer is holding a quiz night for Theo at The Feathers hotel and pub in Merstham, on May 22. Tickets are £10 per team up to six per team.
To donate to Theo's cause go to www.justgiving.com/theosfight
