THE parents of a disabled youngster are appealing for funds to buy him a special seat costing thousands of pounds to help his posture and spare his hips.

Max Glover, seven, has quadriplegic cerebral palsy and his mum and dad Jennifer and Barry want to purchase a P-Pod chair.

This gives postural support and comfort and the family, from Port Glasgow, say it will make a big difference to his quality of life.

Jennifer, 37, who lives in Pentland Avenue said: "It's basically like a giant bean bag but is much more than that.

"It is moulded to Max's shape."

Max, who has a twin sister, Nyah, was born at 29 weeks and five days.

He spent four months in hospital fighting various infections and undergoing two bowel operations.

As a result of being so premature, he has complex medical needs and is deaf.

But he is thriving at school and his parents say staff and pupils at St Michael's Primary have been very supportive.

Jennifer, who works for Barnardo's, said: "St Michael's have been amazing.

"Max is totally included and has a range of friends.

"One of his friends said the only difference between them is that Max is a boy.

"He's made friends and loves school and he's not treated any differently.

"At first we weren't sure if it was going to work.

"There has been a few challenges but I think it's been a real success."

Jennifer describes Max as having a 'different ability' as opposed to having a disability.

She said: "He goes to hippotherapy horse riding, which is amazing.

"It builds up his core strength.

"Max also goes to rebound trampoline sessions and the hydrotherapy pool at Craigmarloch School."

The seat with all the attachments Max needs will cost around £2,000 and will make such a difference because it provides postural support and prevents poor hip alignment.

The education department are also going to provide a P-Pod seat at school and the family have launched their own online appeal through a Justgiving page and are already well on their way to reaching their target.

Barry, 41, who works for the Royal Bank of Scotland mortgage centre, and Jennifer are very grateful for everyone's support.

Jennifer said: "We want to thank everyone who has made a donation.

"We have been totally overwhelmed by everyone's kindness.

"It is appreciated by the whole family."

To pledge to the appeal visit https://www.gofundme.com/max-p-pod-home-seat