THE parents of a severely disabled teenager have made an appeal for help to pay for mobility equipment to allow her and other disabled children a new lease of life.

Laura Davenport, 18, has cerebral palsy and epilepsy, which has left her with no independent mobility.

She is unable to sit or stand unaided and is a full-time wheelchair user.

Her mother, Louise, said the family, who live in Clint, near Harrogate, are desperately in need of a portable hoist, costing £2,384, which would allow them to transfer Laura in and out of her wheelchair when she is away from home.

The family are being supported by Newlife, a children’s disability charity that provides grants for equipment for children and young people like Laura.

The family home already has a fixed hoist, but as Laura is doubly incontinent and needs changing five times a day, it can be difficult for the family to take holidays or go on day trips.

Mrs Davenport said: "Last year we found a wheelchair friendly cottage in Scotland for a family holiday, but we had to come home after five days because without a hoist it was not possible to transfer Laura into the bath.

"Laura loves to be out and about – that’s when she’s at her happiest. Future outings very much depend on us getting a portable hoist."

Newlife helps children around the UK but has recently experienced a huge increase in demand for its services.

The charity is appealing for ‘local heroes’ to help raise funds to provide equipment for seven families in North Yorkshire, including the Davenports.

For more information visit www.newlifecharity.co.uk or contact the fundraising team on 01543-462777.