THE family of a Newport toddler, who was severely brain-damaged at birth, say they are overwhelmed after receiving £5,000 in donations in just six days.

Anthony and Nahella Hard, of Jamaica Grove, Coedkernew, who last featured in the Argus on Friday, launched an online fundraising page last week to help pay towards the cost of a specialist bed for their 14-month-old son Casey.

Casey was born at the Royal Gwent Hospital, Newport in 2011 but a traumatic birth left him starved of oxygen and blood supply.

He has since been diagnosed with severe epilepsy, cortical visual impairment, cerebral palsy and spastic quadriplegia among other things, and needs specialist equipment to make him comfortable when he experiences spasms, seizures and cramp, Mr Hard explained.

Mr Hard said: "When we launched the page last Monday we posted a link to the Argus story but had no idea we would reach the target and raise so much in such a short time.

"We are overwhelmed by the generosity and messages of support shown from people all over the world.

"We never expected this, there are people in Australia holding an art auction and running a marathon - it's epic.

"The support really means a lot to us and to Casey."

Mr Hard said the specialist bed will be custom-made and be equipped with features such as bumpers for safety and move up and down electronically.

As well as the online campaign, Mr Hard's local football team Villa Dino Christchurch raised £4,000 for Casey.

Mr Hard's brothers Tom, 28 and Mike, 31, completed the Tough Guy Challenge in Wolverhampton at the weekend to raise funds for the respite home Ty Hafan which supports the Hard family.

The couple will continue to run the online campaign to help with the cost of other specialist equipment such as sensory lights and certain treatments not covered by the NHS.

To view the facebook page visit www.facebook.com/caseybearscause and click Add Friend for more information.

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