A MUM has admitted being overwhelmed after a stranger’s act of kindness helped her epileptic son.

Emma Goodson, of Harborough Hall Lane, Messing, said she was so touched after receiving a new sleeping bag for little William.

The four-year-old, who also has Angelman syndrome, a genetic condition that affects the nervous system and causes severe physical and learning disabilities, cannot use a normal duvet because it heightens his chances of suffering sudden death in epilepsy (SUDEP).

He has nocturnal seizures and there is a danger he could suffocate himself.

Instead, William uses sleeping bags and now he has another comfy one to kip in, thanks to the generosity of a mystery donation via the Tiptree Community Group Facebook page.

Emma said: “Sometime last year I posted in the group asking for someone to help replace the zip on his sleeping bag.

“William had broken it standing up in bed.

“A lady from the dry cleaners kindly helped and I posted about it at the time as she not only fixed it but gifted it to us.

Gazette: William Goodson

“William can’t have a duvet at the moment because he’s too active at night and wouldn’t stay under it, so would get cold.

“It could increase his chances of sudden death in epilepsy from suffocation, due to his nocturnal seizures.

“Another mum from the village had seen my post from ages ago and had bought her child a larger-sized slumber sack.

“She so kindly reached out and offered to buy one for William. Whatever design, thickness or size he needed.”

Mrs Goodson said the person in question did not want to be named but was happy for the gesture to be publicised.

“Kindnesses like this is huge for us,” added Mrs Goodson, who, with husband Andrew, also has a two-year-old son, Eli.

Gazette: William Goodson

“Everything is so expensive when you have a child with complex health and learning needs.

“We’re lucky we work but every spare penny and more goes on our children and adapting the house.

“This couldn’t have come at a better time as he’s grown again and needs more summer bags.

“I’m so chuffed and touched. I’ve never met this lady but she’s stolen a little piece of our hearts and has no idea this kindness will stay with us for life.

“It’s hard for us to accept gifts.

“We like to help and support others so for things like this to happen brings light and love to our lives.

“It gives us faith and hope in a world that, for us, is so difficult.”

William has attended Lexden Springs Primary School, in Stanway, since he was three but has only just returned after a year shielding during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Mrs Goodson says he will never speak and struggles physically, although is making progress in his quest to start walking.

“He and we, as a family, have had a lot to contend with in his little life,” she said.

“We’ve been in and out of hospital so many times we’ve lost count.

“However, he’s such a happy, positive little ray of sunshine - a real people person - and I started a hashtag on social media called #BeMoreWilliam

“He lives for the moment and if the world were full of more people like him, it would be a better place.”

There is a JustGiving fundraising page to help William.

To make a donation, head to bit.ly/3gorxIJ.