A FUND-RAISING effort to create a sensory room for a severely-disabled Derby toddler – who can only sleep for 15 minutes at a time – has more than doubled its target.

Billy's Fund was set up by 16-month-old Billy Pearson's mother, Weisia Kassner, to raise £4,000 to make his life more comfortable at home.

But, after the Derby Telegraph featured his plight last month, the total rocketed to £10,000 – meaning his mother may now also be able to take him for six weeks of specialist treatment in Hungary to help his development.

Billy suffers from five different conditions, including quadriplegic cerebral palsy – which means he has very little control of his arms and legs – and complex-partial epilepsy, which means he has seizures and loses consciousness.

He also suffers from development delay and digestive problems.

The combined effects mean he has not slept through the night since he was born.

Miss Kassner, 27, of Woodland Avenue, said: "When we first set this up, we did not think in our wildest dreams we would even raise £4,000, let alone £10,000.

"Before we were featured in the Derby Telegraph, we only had about £300 in the fund. Without a doubt the publicity massively helped us raise awareness of a fund-raising event and Billy's situation.

"The money will help create the sensory room for Billy to help improve his quality of life, but I'm also looking at how much it would cost to fly us both out to a specialist unit in Hungary called The Peto Institute.

"They work with young children with what is called motor disabilities.

"I have been reading about the work they have done with a seven-year-old girl who could not walk and after six weeks in there she walked out. I am still looking at the costs, but hopefully that could be the next step for Billy."

In the first six months of his life, Billy developed the five medical conditions and his symptoms mean it is impossible for him to rest for long periods.

At night Billy jolts himself awake, sometimes as often as every 15 minutes, and even with sedatives he can only rest for a couple of hours, meaning he has to share a bed with his mother.

He needs 24-hour care seven days a week. Miss Kassner has had to quit her job as a sales manager, sell her home in Swadlincote and move back to her mother's house so she can get extra support.

She said: "Billy is doing fantastically well and the physios are really pleased with the progress he is making.

"He is still not sleeping properly though."

A fund-raising night at The Moon Pub in Spondon earlier this month was packed with 250 people.

A raffle of prizes donated by Derby and Borrowash businesses helped boost the coffers, raising more than £4,500 on the night. Since then, members of the public and local firms have come forward with donations.

Miss Kassner's sister, Sarah Smith, also of Borrowash, said: "It was a fantastic night.

"Billy's situation really does seem to have brought the community together."

To donate to Billy's Fund, call 07981 122401 or e-mail billysfundraising@googlemail. com.