AN APPEAL has been launched to raise £7,000 to buy a specialist bed to ensure a nine year old boy from Fareham is safe at night .

Finley Collyer who has down syndrome, autism and is deaf is in need of a specialist bed to prevent him from putting himself in danger.

Helen, Finley's mum, is currently sleeping on his bedroom floor as he often wakes up in the night climbing on furniture and he once opened the front door.

Finley has a mental age of a two year old and therefore does not understand the dangers around him.

The family were told by Hampshire County Council that they have to wait 18 months for a social car assessment for a specialist bed.

Finley’s mum, Helen said: “We have tried everything to help Finley settle at night, even taking all of the toys out of his room and keeping it as basic as possible – but this feels so very unfair.

"He’s a child, he should be able to have his toys in his room.

“Having a Safespace bed would let Finley be like other children – he would be able to play in his room but he would also be safe enough to go to bed by himself.

It would make an enormous difference to all of our lives.”

The family also approached New Life, a charity for disabled children, however they also currently do not have the funds to help the family purchase the bed.

The bed Helen wants to purchase Finley will be enclosed and have soft strong sides and will help minimise sensory overload.

Carrick Brow, senior manager for care services at the charity said: “Any kind of delay in assessing a child with a disability has a detrimental impact on their health and wellbeing.

“However, there is no standard time frame for the maximum period a child should have to wait to be seen for an assessment – this means that some children can be left waiting years.

“A specialist bed like this will not only keep Finley safe, but will give Helen the opportunity to get the rest she needs and this in turn will help her care for Finley.

" We understand how important it is to them as a whole family but without the generous support of the public we won’t be able to help.”

Anyone who is able to help Finley should urgently contact Newlife on 01543 431444. To donate £10 text FINC10 to 70070 or email local@newlifecharity.co.uk.