A boy born with only half a heart will defy the odds when he starts primary school next week- he just needs a wheelchair to get him there.

Four-year-old Harrison Sharman of Warden House Mews, Deal, faces a 2.6 mile daily trip by foot when he begins Sandown Primary School next week.

Mum Melanie, 37, has waited the entire summer holidays for the NHS to deliver the device but with just days left until he's due to start she's now launching a fundraising appeal to buy one.

She said: "He can't even walk tiny distances because he goes blue and breathless. I have to pick him up.

"The school journey every day will be impossible without a chair suitable for his age.

"We have waited a very long time for his wheelchair to arrive from the NHS, but have been told yet again that they have no idea when he will receive it.

"I'm desperately needing one because from where we live it's a 1.3 mile walk and he's outgrown his buggy.

"He needs a wheelchair that would be measured for his size or a Maclaren Major Buggy ideally, but for Harrison to feel more grown up in the school environment a wheelchair would be better."

Miss Sharman, who has eight children, was made aware of Harrison's complications during her pregnancy. But her Christian values guided her to continue.

At first, she did not know whether her child would have Down’s Syndrome or a hole in his heart – the same condition she was born with.

Then doctors at St Thomas’ Hospital in London told her it was much worse. Her baby would have a type of congenital heart disease called hypoplastic right heart syndrome and an intact ventricular septum.

It means the right side of his heart is underdeveloped and he essentially only has half a heart. It is the most severe form of congenital heart disease and very rare.

Consequently, Harrison had open-heart surgery at six days old and again at just under four months old. His third and final operation was in February last year. It is thought Harrison will have heart failure by the time he reaches his teens and will then need a transplant.

Ms Sharman says each milestone is therefore particularly special, including his first birthday when he first appeared in the Mercury.

Ms Sharman said: "It's a milestone I never believed possible. I will be absolutely full of pride on the day.

"I've always been more incredibly proud of my warrior son, who even throughout the pregnancy defied the odds when they told me every minute to expect the worst!"

She describes her son as a "clever boy" who she thinks will "breeze" school.

Similar to his nursery school New Century Nursery, she says Sandown Primary have been fantastic. They have a strict plan in place for his health needs.

Mercury readers helped fund a wheelchair for Ms Sharman's other son, Albert, in December 2017. He has a rare and incurable neurological condition, making it impossible for him to walk.

She says she relies on a childminder to help her with both boys.

If you can help, email her on MelSharman81@btinternet.com