THE family of a Rogerstone girl is backing an appeal to provide specialist equipment for children with disabilities in Blaenau Gwent.

Six-year-old Darcie Jenkins was diagnosed with Downs Syndrome, Global Development Delay and epilepsy and needed a specialist bed when she outgrew her standard toddler cot.

Her mum Frances said she had to lift Darcie, who weighs five stone, over the fixed sides of the cot bed to care for her when she was having a seizure. Darcie, who attends Maes Ebbw School, was too big for the cot space and a regular single bed wasn’t suitable for her needs as she has no awareness of danger.

Ms Wilson was told there was no funding available for the equipment which cost nearly £5,000. However, the children’s disability charity the Newlife Foundation, which supports families in Blaenau Gwent, stepped in and provided the equipment she needed.

Ms Wilson said: “The bed she has now allows me access at waist level to change her, deal with her fits and get her in and out of bed. It means things get dealt with more easily and quickly and it also gives her a bit of independence because she can get herself in and out of bed. If I said the specialist bed from Newlife had changed my life I wouldn’t be exaggerating because it gives me peace of mind that Darcie will be safe.”

The charity supports families through a range of services that includes a nurse-staffed helpline, equipment grants, emergency equipment loans and sensory and development “toy pod” loans.

The charity has already helped 173 children in Blaenau Gwent through grants and loans totalling more than £162,315.

The Newlife Blaenau-Gwent Fund is being launched to help provide equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, beds, seating and communication aids for those under 19. To find out more visit newlifecharity.co.uk/Blaenaugwent