When William O' Brien, who doctors predicted would not live beyond a few months, outgrew his baby cot his family were naturally delighted he had defied medical odds.

But one thing the seven yea -old, of Waring Drive, Thornton, desperately needed, was a SafeSpace bed to help him sleep safely.

So, The Gazette launched a campaign to find William's mum the £2,300 needed to get one.

Within just weeks Gazette readers had smashed the target.

Now mum Louise Russ, can finally let her son stay at his grandmother's in Manchester, and can take him on holiday with her partner Andy Price without any heartache or worry.

Louise, 33, of Wareing Drive, Thornton, said: "I just couldn't believe the generosity of people all across the Fylde.

"I received cheques for anything from £2 to £500, and kind letters that moved me to tears.

"William is like a little celebrity in the area now, he gets recognised by so many people.

"We are so overwhelmed to have the bed for Christmas.

"It took about six weeks for the SafeSpace bed to be specially made for William."

The SafeSpace bed can travel in the family's car, folding into two compact pieces, which can be carried in two specially designed bags.

William has epilepsy and a rare chromosome disorder, which means he was born with extra digits on his hands and cannot communicate like other youngsters.

Louise, who had huge problems with safety last time she went on holiday with her son, can now sleep easy when they make a longed-for trip to France.

She added: "Andy took me to Paris for my birthday earlier this year, and we said William needed a cot, as he could break a bone in a normal bed.

"When we got to out hotel, the staff refused to let him use the cot, saying he was too big.

"Andy and I spent the whole time worrying and checking him every minute.

"Now, we can take the bed with us and all that worry will go away.

"And my mum, June, can have William to stay over in Manchester now.

"I can't thank everyone enough – it's made the world of difference."

n Opinion – Page 10