THE parents of a 17-month-old disabled boy are less than £4,000 away from raising enough money to buy him a powered wheelchair.

Charlie Bolton, of Haydens Close, Orpington, has spinal muscular atrophy type two, and cannot crawl, kneel, stand, walk or sit up from a lying position.

His parents Aimee Spiers and Edward Bolton are trying to raise £18,000 to buy him an electric wheelchair, which is currently not available on the NHS.

Miss Spiers, aged 26, said: “We have raised £14,569 so far, and are amazed by how generous everyone has been.”

She was recently joined by 12 friends for a night out in fancy dress to ask fellow revellers for donations, raising £800.

Charlie’s parents are also taking part in a sponsored walk around Kelsey Park in Beckenham on March 20.

To make a donation or help fundraise, email charliesfund@yahoo.co.uk