A Sheppey family is hoping to raise £20,000 to buy a wheelchair that would transform the life of their youngest son who has severe cerebral palsy.

Curtis Ratcliffe, seven, also has epilepsy, scoliosis, hip dysplasia and is blind – meaning he is completely reliant on a chair.

His dads, Garry and Kyle, want to raise money to buy equipment that would allow him to become more independent and enjoy their new home and garden.

Scroll down to watch video

They won the hearts of the nation when the BBC's DIY SOS team created a purpose-built property in Brambledown for them and their four adopted children.

Earlier this month, Curtis had an assessment for using a Smart Mustang Power Chair, which costs just under £20,000.

The chair would allow him to travel independently along a pre-determined route using a head switch to control it.

Stay-at-home dad Kyle said: "We were absolutely amazed by the results as it was very evident that Curtis made positive decisions to turn his head in order to operate the chair.

"For a child like Curtis, with such limited mobility, this was hugely emotional for us all.

"It just went to show what is possible for him in developing his sense of fun, play and, of course, a sense of independence too."

The 40-year-old added: "Now we have a fully wheelchair-accessible garden he can play in but he hasn't got the technology to enable him to do so.

"At the moment, we put him where we think he would like to be.

"The new chair would help him make his own choices. It would give him a level of freedom and independence that he physically hasn't got. The problem is, it comes with a big price tag."

Kyle described Curtis' current wheelchair as "literally a big buggy" in which he is wheeled around by others.

WATCH: The Ratcliffes are raising money to get Curtis a new wheelchair

Funding for the smart chair is not available through the NHS, meaning the Ratcliffes have to raise the money themselves.

They set up a Just Giving page on Monday last week and have raised more than £1,100.

"Our family will do everything we possibly can to provide this chair for our son," Kyle said.

The Ratcliffes have planned a number of fundraisers.

In May, Garry, 44, Curtis, and his sisters Isobella, 10, and Phoebe, six, will take on the two-mile route of the Island Run. Kyle and 14-year-old Haydn will do the 10-mile track.

Then Kyle, who has a fear of heights, will abseil down the Orbit at London’s Olympic Park in the summer.

The family also plans to host open gardens, where people will be able to see the results of the DIY SOS landscaping, the Ratcliffes’ sheep, chickens, pony and bee hives, and enjoy tea and cake. It will cost £5 per adult and children go free, but booking is essential.

Speaking about their fundraising efforts, Kyle said: "We'd like to thank everyone who has donated so far, to those who are planning to donate and everyone who is planning or hoping to do something to raise money for Curtis."

For more on other events the Ratcliffes have planned, search for ‘Curtis New Chair Appeal’ on Facebook.

To help at or hold an event, call Kyle on 07875 507937 or email ratcliffekyle@yahoo.co.uk

Click here to donate