A THREE-year-old boy from Basingstoke is able to sit in comfort thanks to a charitable provider.

Henry Southwell has a neurological condition resulting in learning difficulties and hearing loss along with reoccurring respiratory problems.

He also needs a supportive seat so he can be comfortable and properly supported, especially when he is poorly.

Newlife, a UK charitable provider of essential equipment to meet the specialist needs of children with disabilities and terminal illness, provided the £630 specialist comfortable chair to Henry, after his mother, Faye, got in touch.

She said: “His old seating was a high chair and was quite rigid. It offered a little support but he could not relax. I would sometimes put him on the sofa but he would always slump down.”

The new seat if multifunctional and suitable for all of Henry’s needs, so he is comfortable and supported.

Faye added: “Life before the new seat was hard because he is unable to sit up on his own I had to constantly watch him to make sure he was okay. He used to sit on the floor most of the time, which as you can imagine after a while can become very uncomfortable.

“Since getting the new seat I am able to pop into the kitchen or go upstairs knowing he is supported correctly and is comfortable. He loves watching TV, his favourite show is Friends, so seeing him cosy and happy is a big relief. I am delighted with how much his level of comfort and support has been increased."

Newlife has provided equipment to 346 children in Hampshire, at a cost of more than £540,880, and is working with a further 12 families in the county to secure equipment totalling £14,146.

Faye said: “I am very grateful for the help Newlife has provided. The amount of support I have received through the proces from start to finish has been unbelievable.

“Many people do not understand the amount of work that goes into looking after a child with a disability. Henry’s new seat is only a small part of our lives but it has made such a huge difference.”