A Biggin Hill family is raising funds to buy a specialised beach wheelchair for their disabled son, who loves trips to the seaside but struggles with accessibility.

George Weller, 10, was born with CHARGE syndrome, a disorder affecting growth in various parts of the body, which kept him in hospital during his early years and left him wheelchair-bound.

A trip to the beach, one of his favourite activities, has become increasingly difficult without a wheelchair capable of navigating the sandy terrain.

Jamie Weller, his 35-year-old mum and home carer, said: "George spends all his time in his wheelchair, but he loves having interesting sensory experiences.

"Even getting in the bath is a big thing for him. Sand and water are special to him.

"Even an accessible beach with a ramp won't necessarily have a special wheelchair for children, and if you try with a normal one you just get stuck.

"The sea has a healing quality. Going to the beach is something that every child should experience, and for George it’s getting harder and harder as he’s too heavy to carry now.

"The pure happiness when he gets to the beach, smiling and laughing. You can tell it means a lot to him even if he can’t tell you himself."

The family is looking to raise £5,000 towards the wheelchair. Any remaining funds will be donated to George's Orpington school, Riverside.

Beach wheelchairs use large, thick wheels, which prevent the user becoming bogged down in the sand.

While 90% of beaches in the UK are reportedly wheelchair-friendly, less than 50% provide a beach wheelchair.

Mrs Weller, who has three other children under the age of ten, said: "He’s such a strong willed, happy and strong child. I don’t think I would have been able to go through what he has.

"He spent the first nine months of his life in hospital, and the next few with heart problems and other health problems.

"We have to give him every possible opportunity to smile and laugh."

The family is also planning to hold a fundraising event at The Warren, in Bromley, on May 16.

To donate, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/to-purchase-a-beach-wheelchair-for-george?utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer&utm_campaign=p_lico+share-sheet