A child who suffers from a number of debilitating conditions has been given a newfound sense of freedom thanks to the kind actions of others.

Six-year-old Charlie Mcmaster, from Pymore near Bridport, was born premature at just 25 weeks, weighing 1lb 7ozs, spending the first eight months of his life in hospital.

Since birth, Charlie has faced a number of life-changing diagnoses including a quadriplegia cerebral palsy, epilepsy, a brain bleed, renal failure, kidney failure, as well as needing heart surgery and suffering additional problems with his eyesight.

Due to his conditions, the youngster struggles to get around the house but thanks to contributions from local businesses, charities, family and a council grant he has a newfound freedom.

He now has a bedroom downstairs with an attached wet room that he can get to easier with the help of his walking aids.


Charlie with his mum and dadCharlie with his mum and dad (Image: Steph Mcmaster)

Charlie's mum, Steph Mcmaster said: “This has made life so much easier for Charlie and us, he has so much more independence around the home.

"We are very grateful and me and Charlie’s dad Stefan want to thank Darren Poole builders for all their hard work with the build, Phoenix Electrical Services for fitting all the electrics, G.W. Electrics for donating all electrical fittings, Bridport Ladies Circle for donating flooring for Charlie’s bedroom and tiles for wet room.

“Thank you so much as well to all the lovely people that donated via the Go Fund Me page that Charlie’s auntie, Jo Pitcher, set up without us knowing. A big thank you to all our family and friends that helped towards the adaptions.”

Steph added: “When he was in Southampton hospital, he had a bleed on the brain and they did say at one point it could result in some sort of disability but at that point, you don’t really know and you’re just getting through each day.

“He couldn’t crawl or stand up or do a lot of those things and he was diagnosed with quadriplegia cerebral palsy.”

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Charlie Mcmaster after he was born (left) and Charlie earlier this year (right)Charlie Mcmaster after he was born (left) and Charlie earlier this year (right) (Image: Steph Mcmaster)

Earlier this year, the Bridport Roundtable and Mencap donated a combined total of £1,690 to the family to go towards a new specialised tricycle for the six-year-old.

His mum explained that ‘he goes super-fast’ on it and that ‘he wants to go out on his own. He really enjoys it. He’s happy, cheeky and he’s a fighter.’

Due to Charlie’s disabilities, he has to have a lot of specialist equipment to help him in his day-to-day life including a wheelchair and specialist seating.