A DISABLED three-year-old boy unable to walk or talk and who suffers up to 70 seizures a day has been given a boost by members of his local community.

Palmerston toddler Ollie Meredith's has suffered brain damage as a result of his seizures.Unable to even sit up independently, Ollie requires round-the-clock care and was used to spending much of his time lying on the floor.

But thanks to a campaign launched by leading children's disability charity Newlife, money for a specialist seat called a 'P Pod' has been raised to give Ollie the support he needs.

Members of Barry Rotary Club and local charity The JAM Fund made contributions towards the seat, which Ollie's parents Sophie and Sean Meredith hope will give them the peace of mind to know he is safe and secure during a seizure.

The chair is also easily transportable, meaning Ollie can be moved from room to room without hassle.

Ms Meredith said: “Ollie loves being in the P Pod. He had used one before at the hospice he goes to for respite care, but it’s great for him to have one of his own, especially as he was usually lying on the floor before.

“Now Ollie can happily play with his six-year-old sister, Summer, and he can kick out his arms and legs without restriction. When he falls asleep in the chair we can just unclip the harness and move him without disturbing him. It’s perfect.”

Rotary Club of Barry president Jill Osborne said: "The Rotary Club of Barry has been happy to cooperate with the JAM Fund, a charity set up by Paul Adamson some 12 years ago in recognition of his son Jamie who passed away, to make a donation to the P Pod for Ollie Appeal through Newlife. It is also thanks to the continued generosity of the general public supporting our fundraising events, such as our annual Fireworks Fiesta, that this donation has been made possible."

Mr Adamson recently met with Ollie's parents to donate a cheque towards the P Pod. He added: “It was a pleasure to meet them all and to work with Newlife and the Barry Rotary Club to achieve this for Ollie. It’s fantastic when charities can co-operate to achieve an overall goal such as supplying this chair.”

Newlife is currently looking to raise funds for two more disabled and terminally ill children in the Vale of Glamorgan in need of specialist equipment.

Newlife’s head of charity operations, Stephen Morgan said: “Every day disabled and terminally ill children suffer avoidable pain and worsening conditions when they can’t get the right equipment at the right time – no child should have to endure this.

“It’s great that everyone could come together to help Ollie, but there are many others in the Vale of Glamorgan who need our help too. We are calling on local individuals, groups, clubs and companies to get involved and support them. If you think you could help by donating or fundraising, please visit newlifecharity.co.uk/valeofglamorgan. Alternatively, contact Suzie or a member of the team on 01543 462777 or email local@newlifecharity.co.uk.”