PARENTS of children with a birth defect have been reminded they can apply for a share of a £500,000 special grant.

The Child and Family Grant Scheme has been set up by BDF Newlife, the UK child health charity and may be used to pay for anything from a special car seat to a motorised wheelchair.

Sheila Brown, founder and chief executive of the charity said: "There is absolutely no charge and no donations are expected.

"We simply want to make a real difference where we can."

For more information about the grant, visit info @bdfnewlife.co.uk or call the BDF Newlife Nurse Helpline on 08700 707020.

Sheila Harris, of Monarch Drive in St John's, Worcester is the mother of eight-year-old Alex, who has a genetic muscle disorder.

'We don't have a proper car seat for Alex so this might help us to get one,' she said.

For more information visit info@bdfnewlife.co.uk or call the BDF Newlife Nurse Helpline on 08700 707020.

As a Midlands based charity, we are focussing our funds on helping local families.