WHEN a Chard boy was bed-ridden by inflammation of his brain, it was a rare and special piece of equipment that brought him joy and happiness.

But Musgrove Park Hospital, where Reece Bagg spent three weeks in December, only has one Leckey Comfee chair.

Lisa, Reece’s mum, said: “In December 2018, our youngest, Reece, was extremely poorly.

“Tests confirmed he had encephalitis, like his big sister, Annabelle, had previously.

“Reece then spent the next three weeks in hospital which included Christmas and New Year.

“Reece had been bed bound for two weeks - during this time he lost all his muscle tone.

“The physio team supplied him with a Leckey Comfee Seat, and this was the making of his recovery.

“This very special chair gave my boy the chance to get out of bed, sit up right, and have a change of scenery.

“The chair bought such joy to him, his smile lit up his little face.”

Because Musgrove only has one of these seats to support youngsters who are bed bound, it can be out of action for weeks at a time.

Lisa is now calling on members of the public to help her fundraise for a second specialist support chair.

She added: “Unfortunately, Musgrove only has the one chair in the smallest size.

“As a Mum I found this very difficult as it meant other children couldn’t have the same opportunity at the same time as Reece, so we are fundraising to buy another chair.”

Each chair costs approximately £1,500.

Lisa said: “I would be beyond grateful for your donations via our just giving page as will every future parent unfortunate enough for their child to have to use this chair in their darkest days.

“Nobody expects their child to go from happy and healthy to gravely ill and admitted into hospital. We are just hoping to be able to ease the burden with the joy their child will receive from the independence offered by these chairs.”

To donate, visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/lisabagg-leckeycomfeechair.

Lisa is also organising a series of fundraising events.

These include a prize bingo at Crowshute House from 6.30pm on May 31, and a cream tea at Chard Rugby Club from 11am to 3pm on July 13. On June 14, there will be a two course meal at The Art Cafe & Bistro in Holyrood Street, Chard.

Tickets are £15. Booking is essential. For more, email events.leckey@gmail.com.