A CHILD who suffers from a rare form of epilepsy has been given new hope by a football club.

From six months old, Sam Robinson, now aged 19 months, has suffered from severe myoclonic epilepsy.

As a result of the rare illness, which affects no other children in the area, his development has been delayed, and his functions are those of a newborn.

Now, thanks to a chair frame donated by Middlesbrough Football Club, Sam's body will have the support it needs to make progress.

His mother Tracy, 28, of Carlile Hill, Middlesbrough, said: "Sam was given a pram by Middlesbrough General Hospital and the chair goes on it to corrects his posture.

"The chair can be taken off and put into the walking frame, and it means he can sit for quite a long time.

"They have even bought a play tray that fits on to the chair, and the frame is also on canisters so it can be moved from room to room."

Mrs Robinson, a nurse at James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, said it is vital that she or husband Gary keeps an eye on Sam 24 hours a day, as he can have a fit at any time.

"He can have up to 36 seizures a day, and when he has one, he stops breathing," she said.

Middlesbrough mascot, Roary the Lion, presented the the frame so Sam's grandmother, Kath Riley, and club spokeswoman, Diane O'Connell, said: "We were touched by Sam's story, and were only too happy to help out."