When we bought our home 10 years ago our circumstances were very different. One of the things we loved about it was the potential it had to grow and expand along with our family!

We always wanted children and had in mind that we could always put bunk beds in the small bedroom if nothing else even if it was only a temporary solution.

However things changed. We were blessed to have James come into our lives almost 8 years ago, and we wouldn’t be without him for the world! He is our world, along with his little brother Harry.

Having a child with Down’s Syndrome was a curve ball we didn't expect, and as James has got older and his needs have become more apparent David and myself have both suffered with ill health. As you would probably expect we both suffer from depression and anxiety, we both are in physical pain as every day we struggle to lift James about as he is approaching 6 stone!

Careers for us both have had to take second place to our family. The work life balance scales have tipped so far one way Work has slipped off the edge for now. We hope in the future that at least one of us can return to work.

It takes 2 of us to parent James so alongside our health problems we also both need to be here full time at the moment.

I need David to physically help lift James to get him on the bus; in the car; off the road!! And the list goes on. I can’t physically manage him.

David needs me to be patient with him when we sit in front of the TV reading out every single programme on CBeebies over and over again; for him to change his mind as soon as one goes on; and to jump on you for the controller if you don’t immediately change it; and cry inconsolably if you try and stick to your guns. Caring for James can be relentless. He requires constant supervision & support & has no awareness of his own size and strength. He is non-verbal and communicates by signing and pointing to show you things so there isn't a moment you can take your eyes off him. He has no concept of hot/cold so sitting down with a cup of tea near James is nigh on impossible!

We need to sit and feed James every mouthful that passes his lips; at the very least hold on to the plate, bowl or pack which holds the food and would be thrown who knows where without a firm grip; as would Harry's if he had the chance.

I could go on indefinitely but I will try and get back to my point.

Financially things are difficult whilst we’re in this position where we both need to be here for James. My mum keeps me sane doing as much as she can with James when she can but at present James needs both his parents and Grandparents to be there for him.

The point of me telling you this is that we can’t just put bunk beds in their tiny bedroom because it wouldn’t be safe for James. We couldn’t stop him trying to climb up the top, we couldn’t stop him giving Harry a little shove whilst up there, we couldn’t stop him throwing everything off the bed, and more to the point we’d really struggle to get him down!

Their room is tiny and 5 year old Harry is still in a toddler bed. We can’t physically fit 2 single beds in the room and we can’t use standard bunk beds. Our dreams of expanding have remained dreams and we’re really struggling to fund the only possible option we can find.

This being a bunk bed with a staircase ensuring James can go up and down safely! Although we’d still need to keep him at the bottom it would minimise the risks of accidents and injuries that going up a ladder would surely bring. It would have to be high bunks as with James being at the bottom he would need the head room which is a shame as the lower bunks would be better from an overall height perspective.

The only option I can find that meets our requirements is expensive though as you may expect! I hate asking for money I really do, but as kidsfuntimebeds.co.uk have kindly agreed to match our fundraising through JustGiving £ for £, we feel like we have to try and do this for James & Harry. If you can spare anything to help us fund an essential item for our children we’d be so very grateful. If you’re unable to donate I completely understand and ask that you share so as many people see this as possible. If you’ve read this to the end thank you for your patience.

We need to raise £500 for our boys to have the bed they desperately need and any help would be so much appreciated.Kids Funtime Beds will then match it to make the £1000 we need.

Much love Sara, David, James & Harry xxx