HELP is desperately needed to help a Fordingbridge schoolboy stay mobile.

Harry Price, 12, has Muscular Dystrophy and needs a new specialist wheelchair to keep him doing the things he loves as he is now too big for the one he has.

But the powered chair costs almost £20,000.

So far Harry's family and other organisations have secured £2,468 - leaving a shortfall of £17,195.

Harry needs help with all aspects of his life and because his condition is degenerative, he has started losing his mobility skills.

Mum Catherine Willans said: “Harry has outgrown his current wheelchair which he has had for five years, it does not cater to his needs as it once did.

"Having the wheelchair refurbished is not financially viable because it is no longer durable and always breaks down.

"The batteries can register empty after thirty minutes even when charged – the batteries are quite expensive so I am unable to replace them constantly. We have limited social activities as the chair can die at any time.”

The powered wheelchair Harry needs costs £19,663 but this is way beyond the family’s budget which is why they have turned to Newlife, the UK’s largest charitable provider of essential equipment to meet the specialist needs of children with disabilities and terminal illness.

Catherine added: “The battery life in his current wheelchair will just about last a whole school day so by the time he comes home he is not able to use it.

"The new powered chair will allow him to attend school and after school activities as it will have an extended battery life.

"Harry is at that age now where he wants to socialise with his friends, he loves going to the movies and has started going to youth clubs and without a new powered wheelchair this will not be possible.

Harry has to rely on people to manoeuvre his current footplate, however the new chair will allow him to move the foot plates automatically.

"Harry has to constantly ask for help which has started alienate him, the powered wheelchair will allow him to do more things independently.

With a tray for Harry to work and eat from and a fold-back controller, a powered wheelchair would create more opportunities for him.

Now Newlife has a dedicated Hampshire Fund – www.newlifecharity.co.uk/Hampshire, which gives people the chance to help.

To help Harry, go the website and click on the Donate button beside his story.