A seven-year-old boy who suffers from cerebral palsy is in desperate need of vital equipment which could help him walk.

Although Samuel Emmerson has a special standing frame when he is attending Frobisher Primary School in Jaywick, he does not have the use of one at home in Spring Lane, St Osyth, where he lives with his parents, Claire and Andy, and his younger brother, Ben.

Samuel is a twin but his brother, Thomas, died of a brain haemorrhage when he was just a few weeks old.

Mrs Emmerson said it has been a struggle for the family to provide Samuel with all the equipment he required.

"We bought his first wheelchair, which cost £1,700, and we have had to find the money for other things," she said.

"Samuel has very good understanding and speech but has no use of his legs. He relies on the frame at school and cannot stand up without it."

The couple have been quoted a price of £660 for a frame for home.

The Evening Gazette's sister paper, The Clacton Gazette, has set up an appeal fund and anyone wishing to contribute should contact 01255 254214.

Published Friday November 1, 2002

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