Adventure awaits a tot in Deal who has received a specialist wheelchair after donations from the community.

Albert Sharman, 22 months, has a rare and incurable neurological condition, making it impossible for him to walk.

In June, his mum Melanie Sharman, 35, of Middle Deal Road, launched a fundraising campaign to raise £5,000 for the chair, which is not available on the NHS.

The kindness of his family, friends and strangers meant the device, an R82 Stingray, has arrived in time for the festive season.

And Albert has already enjoyed his first trip out in it – to London’s Winter Wonderland with his family.

Mrs Sharman was delighted that he was even allowed on the ice rink in it!

She said: “It was adorable to see Albert’s smiling face on the ice.

“It was magical – something he would never have been able to experience unless he had a wheelchair. It provides ultimate support and comfort so he can rest and enjoy our outings.

“We are over the moon we got there in time for Christmas and eternally grateful for the kindness.”

Albert has a condition called bilateral perisylvian polymicrogyria (BPP), which was diagnosed in April. It affects the outer surface of the brain and his condition is so severe that he will never be able to walk, talk or sit unaided.

It affects every muscle in the body and he will need to be tube fed for the rest of his life because, when he swallows, the food and fluid goes into his lungs.

While there is no cure, there is help from speech and language therapy, physiotherapy and occupational therapy.

Previously Mrs Sharman had been using a normal buggy with rolled-up towels to try to support her son but it wasn’t ideal.

The new chair will give him support, comfort and freedom. Donations came in thick and fast after KentOnline's sister paper the Mercury gave its backing to Albert’s cause in the summer.

Mrs Sharman has thanked all donors including Fenella Sharman, Keith Hobday, Tamzin Sharma, Claire Gilmore of Hoppers Holistic Harmony and someone who pledged £1,000 late in November which took the family to their target.

She said: “I have been blown away by people’s kindness. After the anonymous £1,000 donation, a very kind charity, Deal Relief in Need, offered to help. I explained that we had completed our fundraising but they still offered.

“I said how Albert also needed a car seat that reclines as he can’t control any muscles so his head flops forwards on hospital trips. They paid the full £160 for one which is brilliant for him and will last a good few years.”

Deal Relief in Need is urgently seeking a new honorary clerk.

Mrs Sharman is encouraging anyone who might suit the role to email dealreliefinneed@hotmail.com