A KIDDERMINSTER toddler will be sleeping in safety thanks to the donation of a specialist bed from the Newlife Foundation for Disabled Children.

Chael Edwards, from Kidderminster, has a chromosome deletion which has resulted in development delay, learning disabilities and autistic traits – he is unable to talk and has no awareness of danger.

He needs a specialist sleeping environment for overnight safety. Chael had been using a standard cot, which was secured to the floor after he tipped it over – but then he learnt to climb over the sides.

The Newlife foundation stepped in to offer an emergency equipment loan of a secure bed and now Chael will be getting a permanent provision of exactly the right piece of equipment for his needs.

Colin Edwards, Chael’s father, said: “Chael fell a bunch of times when he climbed over the sites of his old cot and started chewing on the wooden sides for sensory feedback.

“Getting the new permanent bed will be very important for Chael as he has just started school. He regularly wakes up four or five times a night screaming, which means he is very tired the next day.

“The new equipment will help us get his sleep patterns under control so he can function better at school.

“Without our local occupational therapist, Chris Bond, we would still be struggling to cope with Chael’s sleep issues.

“His role is this has been very important and the Newlife journey started with him.”

With the equipment costing £3,799 and no funding available through statutory services, the family turned for help to the foundation – the UK’s largest charity provider of specialist equipment for children with disabilities and terminal illness.

A partnership between Newlife and Marks and Spencer is now providing the equipment.

Sheila Brown OBE, chief executive of Newlife, said: “It is very encouraging to see the efforts of Marks and Spencer in helping to improve the lives of disabled and terminally ill children within the local community and across the UK.

“Equipment that costs hundreds to several thousands of pounds really can transform lives.”

The charity has helped provide £316,989 of equipment for 192 under-19s in Worcestershire. They are currently working with six other families in the county with equipment needs totalling £4,330.

For more information, visit newlifecharity.co.uk/worcestershire.