A three-year-old boy with cerebral palsy is finally enjoying a safe night’s sleep thanks to a charity’s emergency loan after a council said his condition was not serious enough to receive support.

Every time little Rowan Crockford went to bed he was in serious danger due to his condition.

The Swanley resident can’t walk, has poor eyesight, epilepsy and no concept of danger, so frequently throws himself over the sides of his cot or gets his arms and legs stuck in the bars.

Despite his complex health issues, Kent County Council said his condition isn’t serious enough for it to provide a specialist bed, instead suggesting he sleep on a mattress on the floor.

Recognising the significant risk of injury Rowan was facing every night, Newlife, a charity for disabled children, responded with an emergency loan of a special bed.

Mum Kathryn said: “The council said they wouldn’t provide a bed because he didn’t require oxygen or have a tracheostomy — an opening in his throat for a tube to help him breathe.

“It’s frustrating when you explain how desperately you need help for your child, yet receive nothing because of how the council decides to spend funds.

“The battle for equipment is only something you understand when you are thrust into the world of children with special needs - you have to fight for everything.

"It’s exhausting to feel like doors are repeatedly slammed in your face.

“It’s not possible to just pop out and buy what you need, specialist equipment always comes with a specialist price tag which is why so many people end up turning to charities for help.

“When Newlife were able to help it really brought some peace. The bed has really made life better.

"Rowan is really happy to go to bed now and although he still wakes frequently, he can’t hurt himself.”

A year ago, the family endured a similar situation when applying for a special-needs buggy.

KCC said Rowan was too young to qualify, and instead suggested using rolled up towels to prop him up in a standard pushchair.

Newlife provided a £1,842 buggy through its equipment grant services.

Carrick Brown, Newlife’s senior manager of the care services department, said: “We’re seeing a worrying increase in the number of cases of children who are being denied equipment by local health services despite them being at significant risk of immediate injury or worse.

"Last year we provided 250 emergency equipment loans of equipment, a 16% increase on the previous year.”

Donations to the charity, which has provided much-needed equipment to 1,000 children in the past five years can be made at www.newlife.support/GiveEEL

Kent County Council did not respond to requests for comment.