BRAVE toddler Harry Vaughan has sparked a fundraising drive to pay for his vital medical equipment.

Three-year-old Harry, from Flint, was born with a rare muscle-wasting disease and is unable to stand or crawl on his own.

His family are hoping to get a free NHS wheelchair for him before he starts nursery at St Mary’s RC Primary School in Flint in September.

Meanwhile, parents Debbie, 40, and Kevin, 43, are frantically raising money for other expensive equipment he will need.

More than £3,000 was raised at a charity evening where raffle prizes included a signed Manchester United football and a signed picture of Liverpool striker Fernando Torres.

The money will go to buy a special car seat for Harry.

“Harry is a happy, cheeky little boy who lights up any room,” said Debbie, who gave up her job as a PA to become a full-time carer for Harry, who suffers from a condition called congenital muscular dystrophy merosin negative.

“The money we have raised so far will pay for his specialised car seat and anything else we raise we will save for the future.

“We live in a semi-detached house but will have to move to a bungalow and make adaptations when Harry grows. We will even have to buy a new car soon.

“The car seat has a swivel plate that will turn to face you as you’re putting the little one in the car.

“It will come in really handy as Harry gets older and heavier.”

Harry, who has a fascination with TV children’s show character Fireman Sam and toy cars, has a daily routine of physiotherapy. He wears splints on his legs to help straighten his feet and uses a standing frame to keep him upright.

Harry, who has a big sister Holly, nine, also sleeps with a ventilator at night to ward off chest infections.

Debbie is hosting a golf tournament for her next fundraiser and is appealing to local businesses to donate prizes.

Teams of four can take part at a cost of £240 or sponsor a hole for £50 in the event, organised by Broughton-based J&P Group Ltd. There will also be evening of entertainment with a comedian, disco and charity auction.

Debbie added: “I would ask any local businesses to get involved by donating raffle prizes or coming along on the day to play in the tournament.

“I’m hoping the fundraisers will raise awareness of muscular dystrophy and bring in as much money as possible to the cause.”

The golf tournament is on Friday, August 20 at Old Padeswood.

To donate a prize or to give to Harry’s fund, call the Leader on 01352 707761.

See www.muscular-dystrophy.org for more information.

Debbie has offered her thanks to family, friends and local businesses for donating prizes for the charity evening.