A disabled toddler has had a new lease of life thanks to kind-hearted villagers who fundraised for specialist equipment so he can sit comfortably.

Stanley Leaver, who lives in Gerrards Cross, has a condition that affects his muscles and has left him unable to move independently.

He needs specialist supportive, comfortable seating so he doesn’t have to spend hours lying on the floor.

Fundraising duo Elly Hance and Rosemary Skinner, from Deanshanger, have secured the specialist seating for Stanley by helping to raise £1,200 towards the £1,447 needed.

The pair, who support Newlife – the Charity for Disabled Children which is helping Stanley and his family, inspired other donors from the community to make up the rest of the funds.

Stanley’s mum Shailza Leaver said the tot’s local statutory services provided him with a functional chair to use at home, but it is not comfortable enough for him to sit in for more than half an hour at a time.

She said: “It’s not something he can relax in, which is why we put him on the floor, propped up with cushions.

“As he can’t control his own body movements, it would be too dangerous for Stanley to sit on the family sofa, because he could easily slide off.”

Mrs Leaver added: “Stanley has been really poorly and has just come out of hospital, so having his own P-Pod will give him somewhere to relax, in safety, and hopefully help reduce painful muscle spasms.

“It also means he will be able to sit at the same level as everyone else and be more involved with family life.

“I’d like to thank everyone who has contributed towards the appeal to help Stanley – this is such good news.”