VILLAGERS will be gathering to raise funds for a disabled and epileptic youngster in desperate need of specialist equipment.

Three-year-old Corey Fox, from Paisley, suffers from the birth defect microcephaly, which means he has a smaller head and brain than the average child his age.

His diagnosis a year ago has meant he is still unable to walk or talk and cannot sit up unaided.

The youngster also suffers from epilepsy and has to endure more than 20 seizures on a daily basis.

To improve his quality of life, Corey needs specialist equipment which will help him sit more comfortably and move easier.

With this in mind, a fundraiser is to be held on Saturday, October 14, at the Gryffe Inn, in Bridge of Weir.

The response has already been so overwhelming that Corey’s family have actually been able to purchase the £2,200 Carrot 3 car seat they originally wanted to raise money for, which was not funded by the NHS.

It has a lever enabling him to be swivelled in and out of the car.

But Corey’s mum, Sarah Milligan, said she would like to use the event to continue raising money for more equipment.

She added: “The response to us organising the event was so overwhelming that the money we needed for the seat has already been raised. That was not meant to happen but it’s amazing and there is a lot of stuff which could improve his quality of life that we can raise money for at the event.

“He could do with a Scoot, which is made by a company called Firefly. It’s basically like a seat on a skateboard, which will mean he can move about easier at floor level.

“Corey used to be able to sit unaided but, because his legs have not been working, his muscles have shrunk and now he can’t anymore.

“He basically has the brain of a 10-month-old, despite being three-and-a-half, so he can’t walk or talk.

“He is ambitious and determined and gets incredibly frustrated when he can’t do or get to what he wants.

“These things are going to make a huge difference to his childhood.”

Sarah and Corey’s dad James first noticed something wasn’t right when he wasn’t hitting the usual milestones of walking and talking.

As well as being diagnosed with microcephaly, Sarah and James were also told he had Global Development Delay, which meant he would develop slower than other children.

He now attends Riverbrae Pre-Five Centre, in Paisley – a specialist council-run nursery for kids with complex support needs – and sees health professionals regularly.

So far, almost £3,000 has been raised on a GoFundMe page for Corey.

To donate, visit the website at www.gofundme.com/2ggmw-brave-little-fox-fund.