A DISABLED toddler is “absolutely ecstatic” after getting a life changing wheelchair following a News Shopper fundraising appeal.

‘Cheeky’ Charlie Bolton, of Haydens Close, Orpington, now has an electric wheelchair after his family and friends raised £18,000 with help from a series of News Shopper articles.

The wheelchair gives 21-month-old Charlie the independence taken away by spinal muscular atrophy type two, which stops him crawling, kneeling, standing or walking.

His mum Aimee Spiers, aged 26, said: “Charlie is absolutely ecstatic about the wheelchair. It has buttons and a joystick for him to control it, and has given him independence.

“He has called it Snappy, because the make of the wheelchair is a Snapdragon, and he’s had a few little crashes but is getting used to it.”

Miss Spiers, who works as a part-time baker as well as caring for Charlie, added: “He is 100 per cent happier because he is now able to get around on his own.

“He was getting frustrated before, because he wasn’t able to move around like other toddlers, and now this wheelchair is like his legs.”

Miss Spiers and Charlie’s dad, 25-year-old memorabilia company manager Edward Bolton, say they are “overwhelmed” at getting the wheelchair.

She said: “We have waited so long to get this wheelchair, and it’s overwhelming to see him having independence and being a happy toddler.”

Charlie will be able to use the customised wheelchair, which is unavailable on the NHS, until he weighs around nine stone.

Fundraising

News Shopper began appealing for donations for the wheelchair after being contacted by Charlie’s parents in February.

One generous reader, who wishes to remain anonymous, sent Miss Spiers and Mr Bolton a cheque for £1,000.

Charlie’s parents also held many fundraising events, including a sponsored walk in Kelsey Park in Beckenham which generated £6,500.

Miss Spiers and 12 of her friends held a fake hen night, where they wore fancy dress to go out on the town and received £800 in donations from fellow revellers.

The couple also arranged a party at Bibas nightclub in Bromley town centre, where hundreds of people turned out to support Charlie, raising £642.

Miss Spiers said: “We want to say a massive thank you to everyone who has helped us raise the money, because it has made a massive difference to Charlie’s life.”