A FUNDRAISING appeal has been launched to buy a simple piece of equipment which will allow a young boy explore the outdoors.

Ross Tulloch, who turns four today (July 22), has cerebral palsy and is unable to sit or stand independently so requires a manual wheelchair.

Ross, his identical twin brother Finn and their older brother Patrick, six, love the outdoors and long to be able to explore the countryside around their home together.

However, Ross’ manual wheelchair is bulky and heavy and can only cope with flat surfaces, making it impossible for him to enjoy many outdoor activities.

His parents, Arran and Lucy, from Northallerton, have turned to children’s disability charity Newlife Foundation for help in finding the £2,267 needed.

Newlife has funded 159 equipment grants for children in North Yorkshire, totalling £167,484.

Mr Tulloch said Ross is particularly keen to get out and have more fun with his dog Tay.

He said: “This three-wheeler buggy really would open up a world of opportunities for Ross.

“We are quite an outdoorsy family so it would be wonderful to be able to get out and spend quality time together.

“Ross has a wheelchair which in many ways is brilliant and is very supportive, but it can only be used on flat, even surfaces and is no good on grass or gravel. You simply cannot move it.”

Newlife chief executive Sheila Brown, OBE, said: “As a charity we are looking increasingly to local heroes to help us help children in individual counties – and Newlife guarantees that 100 per cent of all monies donated or fundraised in North Yorkshire can be ring-fenced to specifically provide equipment for Ross and other disabled or terminally ill children within the county boundary.”

Contact the Newlife Community Fundraising Team on freephone 0800 988 4640.