A MOTHER will today take her severely-disabled son on a much-needed holiday to Cornwall, thanks to the generosity of Evening Post readers.

Single parent Kaddy Thomas made a plea for donations in July to help cover the cost of taking her four-year-old boy Elijah on a break.

She was desperate to give him a fortnight's holiday this summer but was unable to afford to accommodate a team of four carers to look after her son, who suffered brain damage while being treated for a rare genetic condition and needs around-the-clock care.

Ms Thomas, 42, a former receptionist who lives in Portishead, said she was overwhelmed by the donations from Post readers, which totalled £1,100.

She said: "I've been bowled over by it. One company gave £500. We've had cheques come through the post and donations straight into the bank as well. There have been donations by 15 or 16 individuals.

"I went to the bank and I was absolutely gobsmacked when I got the mini statement.

"We have the support workers lined up and ready to go and we are looking forward to it.

"It's been a mammoth task in terms of the work we have done in raising Elijah's profile and getting all his medical supplies together.

"But if it hadn't been for the coverage in the paper, we wouldn't be going on holiday."

Elijah, who has Apert Syndrome, was born in March 2006 and suffered brain damage after being treated at Birmingham Children's Hospital in October 2007 to relieve pressure on his brain. He spent a further ten months in hospital as doctors fought to save his life and then underwent 15 months of rehabilitation in Surrey before the mother and son moved to North Somerset last year.

The syndrome caused his fingers and toes to be fused together as well as causing abnormalities to his face and skull. He is fed through a tube, only has slight movement in his arms and legs and communicates by eye contact, blinking and moving his head to one side.

Ms Thomas knew there was a 50-per-cent chance her son would be born with Apert Syndrome because she also has the condition, but is able to lead a normal, healthy life.

Despite a catalogue of health problems, Ms Thomas says her boy constantly amazes her and describes him as a "happy and content child with a wonderful smile".