A MUM of a disabled three-year-old has thanked a charity for its vital support when the family was in desperate need.

Levi Jestico suffers from developmental delay, epilepsy and problems with his immune system.

The tot can't walk or talk and struggles to swallow.

But he started to pull himself up and fell out of his cot, narrowly missing hitting his head on a chest of drawers.

Charity Newlife then stepped in and gave him a specialist padded cot as part of its Emergency Equipment Loan service.

Mum Samantha, of Station Road, Harwich, said: “None of us were getting any sleep.

“I was having to put quilts and pillows at the side of the cot to make a crash mat and I wasn’t getting any support from the occupational therapist.

"I was going to start sleeping in his bedroom."

After an eight month wait for a high chair, Samantha was worried Levi could get seriously injured before she got any help.

Then the senco worker at The Ark Centre in Harwich put her in touch with charity Newlife.

“I just don’t think that my son is getting the best possible care from those whose duty it is to provide it,” Samantha added.

"My issues it we don't know where to turn to and we get pushed from pillar to post.

“Without Newlife, he would still be in danger.

"Thankfully the charity is now supporting us to get a permanent bed for Levi and our occupational therapist and physiotherapist are being great.

"I am starting to feel like Levi is getting the help he deserves.

"It’s not a magic bed – he still doesn’t sleep very well – but most importantly, he is safe.

"And for that I am extremely grateful.”

Levi is currently undiagnosed but is part of England's 100,000 Genomes Project.

It means his DNA goes on the database and could help find others with his condition and help find a diagnosis.