THE family of a four-year-old boy from Rawtenstall with cerebral palsy are appealing for people to help them raise £2,100 for a specialist car seat.

Oliver Nelson, who attends Tor View Community Special School in Haslingden, has had the condition from birth and cannot move or speak.

Oliver's parents Ben, 35, a technical support team leader at Meyer Tech, and Sarah, 34, said they would like the Carrot 3 car seat so they can take Oliver out on trips more easily and ensure he is safe.

Sarah, who cares for Oliver and his eight-month-old brother Alfie full time, said: “Caring for Oliver has been hard. When you’re pregnant you do not expect this to happen, but we make the most and care for him the best we can.

“Our family are very supportive, they help out as much as they can and we would not manage without their help.

“Having this car seat will be such a relief for us as a family knowing that for car journeys Oliver is safe.

“We currently use a standard car seat, which does not provide the safety he needs, so it is a huge concern for us when making long trips to family in Wales.

“The car seat will also help make getting him in an out of the car a lot easier.

“It is designed to help us get him in without hurting him, so it will take the pressure off us and enable us to take him further on journeys.”

Trudi Beswick, CEO of the Caudwell Children charity, said: “Car seats give families the freedom we often take for granted.

“This one piece of equipment enables families to travel further and see new things, so it is vital.

“However we are desperate for more funding to help Oliver and children like him throughout the area get the practical and emotional support they need, including life enhancing equipment.

“Therefore we are appealing for any help that you can give to help Oliver and children like him.”

To find out more and donate to Oliver’s appeal, visit justgiving.com/Olivers-Appeal, or text OLIV98 £2 to 70070.