A Lincoln family is being ripped apart because a divorced dad has been denied the specialist equipment that would enable his disabled son to stay with him all because of a draconian health and social care policy.

Dane Rose, aged 17, has Cerebral Palsy affecting both his arms and legs, so he can’t walk, dress or feed himself and needs round the clock care.

Dane also has reflux and easily chokes if he’s not in the right position and is fed through a tube in his tummy. He needs a hospital style adjustable bed to support him safely at an angle.

He also needs a portable hoist so he can be safely moved around the house and into bed, especially as he is now too big for dad, Justin, to lift without causing them both pain.

The NHS provided a ceiling track hoist and bed at his mum’s home, but policy dictates duplicates aren’t funded, despite research suggesting families with one or more disabled child are at higher risk of divorcing.

Now, unless Newlife the Charity for Disabled Children can raise the £3,673 necessary for a specialist bed and portable hoist, Dane won’t be able to stay with his dad, forcing the family to become further fragmented.

Dad Justin said: “It’s heart-breaking for us all. Dane wants to stay over at my house, just like his nine-year-old sister Torey does, which would also give his mum respite from caring for him round the clock.

“Dane has painful hip dislocations which have already resulted in extensive surgeries – and more are planned.

“Dane could stay with me several times a week, but it’s too dangerous and difficult for him to use a standard bed and too painful for him to be lifted without a hoist. He’s also too big for me to move now and I have a bad back.

“Dane has very painful stiff legs which need to be massaged regularly, but without the hoist and bed we can’t do this, so it’s impossible for him to stay with me for more than a few hours.

“It’s a terrible situation for us all and Dane gets so upset about it. Not having the equipment we need is forcing us apart.”

Newlife’s Senior Manager for Care Services, Carrick Brown, said: “We see all too often that families who have separated struggle to receive equipment which means children can spend time in both parent’s homes. This fragments families even further – as we see here – and leaves them with no choice but to turn to charities like Newlife.

“Dane is one of 14 children in Lincolnshire right now who desperately need specialist equipment costing £24,171, but unfortunately we can’t help every child in need. Which is why Newlife is calling on the local community and businesses to help Dane and his family.”

Anyone who is able to help Dane should urgently contact Newlife on 01543 431444. To donate £10 text DANE10 to 70070, email local@newlifecharity.co.uk or visit the website at www.newlifecharity.co.uk/lincolnshire.

Money raised above the amount needed for Dane’s specialist equipment will be used to help other disabled and terminally ill children in need in Lincolnshire.