A struggling mother of a disabled child is to finally get financial help to transform her home and her son's life.

Single mum Pat Bilby, of Goldington Crescent, Billericay, has been battling to get some help with her son Scott, who is physically and mentally disabled. She has spent three years appealing to the Guinness Trust for cash to install extra facilities to make life easier for her and 16-year-old Scott.

Now with backing by Essex County Council the trust can set the ball rolling to find the money needed for a stairlift.

The only option put to Ms Bilby before now has been to move to a new house in a different area.

But she was keen to stay put as she relies on support from friends, family and neighbours to help Scott who cannot walk or talk.

She said: "I need as much help as I can get. He is getting too heavy to lift up the stairs and to put in the bath."

Published Thursday October 17, 2002

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