A Dorchester you-ngster is set to benefit from a ‘life changing’ new piece of equipment thanks to a generous donation.

Little Freddie Palmer, who suffers from cerebral palsy, was all smiles as he showed off his new standing frame that was provided by the Dorchester Round Table.

The group agreed to pay for the frame, which costs more than £1,400, after being approached by the two-year-old’s grandparents John and Denise Smith last year.

Freddie’s parents Jo and George were advised last August that the Leckey Standing Frame would be beneficial for the youngster during his early years.

Without the frame he struggles to support himself and it enables him to be on a level with his peers as well as his siblings, Hannah, Freya and Harry.

The frame will also help strengthen Freddie’s bon-es.

Mum Jo said: “He’s been in it every day, he loves being upright and being at the same level as his brothers and sisters.

“We are very grateful for the donation and it’s life-changing for Freddie as he’s got his own independence.

“He’s able to stand freely – he can either play with toys in front of him or have them on a tray.”

Granddad John added: “It’s going to improve the line of his body and his standing as well as helping his legs develop.

“It’s just going to help him develop as a young lad.”

The Round Table attached a condition to the donation that when Freddie no longer needs the frame – he is expected to use it for around three years – it will then be donated to the Children’s Centre at Dorset County Hospital so other youngsters can benefit from it.

Chairman of the Dorchester Round Table Ellis Ford said: “I have chosen this as one of my chairman’s charities this year because it’s requests like this that are what charity is all about.

“It’s about helping people that need help and improving their quality of life.

“When you see Freddie now, he’s stood there with the frame and he’s so much more communicative.”

Freddie’s family are also starting to receive donations for the next piece of equipment they want to help Freddie’s development – an iPad tablet computer.

Anyone who would like to contribute can contact his mum by email at joanne.palmer@aol.com