Generous donation saves Doncaster family at ‘breaking point’

Beverly Cox was left too worried to sleep after the pressure of lockdown got too much for her two-year-old son Samuel Cutler who has suspected autism, doesn’t speak and has limited awareness of danger.

Due to his condition, Samuel’s frustrations and anxiety cause him to head-butt hard surfaces, including the floor. He previously climbed onto his windowsill to try to and escape through his bedroom window and pulled the radiator from his bedroom wall twice, leaving him at risk of being burnt by scalding water.

Beverly said: “When Samuel’s nursery shut down because of the pandemic he lost the strict routine he needs as well as the one-to-one support he receives there.

“Samuel’s dad Jason often works away so I’m with Samuel and his one-year-old sister Elsie on my own.”

Unable to relax, Beverly’s already fragile mental health began to decline further. After self-referring to Doncaster Council’s children’s services in desperation to keep Samuel safe, she was loaned a strong, high-sided bed from disabled children’s charity Newlife to stop him escaping at night.

Newlife provides specialist equipment for disabled and terminally ill children across the UK, many of whom are most at risk from the effects of Covid-19.

Beverly added: “My biggest fear was that Samuel would get into the rest of the house, climb and fall, which would have meant serious injury. He could also have potentially escaped the house too, despite all the precautions I take, as he’s very determined.

“Knowing Samuel is safe means I can sleep, which makes a big difference to absolutely everything. I have the energy I need to cope with everything else during the day.”

Newlife doubled the amount of specialist equipment it would normally supply during the first seven weeks of lockdown, despite operating at a much reduced capacity. The organisation said it is now “critically short” of loan equipment and without the funds to purchase extra stock as its stores are temporarily closed in line with national government advice.

A fundraising drive has been launched to continue its work. You can donate here.