THE mum of a tot with a rare genetic condition that causes him to suffer multiple seizures every day said she is proud of her “little fighter”.

Corfe Mullen tot Samuel Monk, who is two-and-a-half years old, was not expected to live more than a year after being diagnosed with Aristaless Related Homeobox (ARX) in April 2011.

But the youngster, who loves nothing more than a hug, has refused to stop battling for life.

Samuels’ mum Zoe said: “Because of the severity of Samuel’s seizures, we can’t follow the same protocol that people who suffer with epilepsy might.

“It would mean that Samuel was sedated all the time. Some times are better than others – he suffers seizures every day, and the question is really how many.”

Samuel was born full-term, but spent the first eight weeks of his life in neonatal care while doctors tried desperately to control his seizures as much as they possibly could.

Although he is now a toddler, Zoe said he is more like a six-week-old baby.

Samuel is unable to eat, hold his head up himself or move his arms and legs independently.

“There is a spectrum for this condition, and unfortunately, Samuel is at the extreme end of that,” Zoe said.

“But he is an absolute charmer. He really loves cuddles – that’s what he’d choose to do all day if he could.”

Zoe described Samuel as a “wonderful and brave little boy who touches the hearts of everyone he meets”.

She added: “We are incredibly proud of him.

“He’s our world and we adore him.”

Sale will help him out

A nearly-new sale of baby clothes, children’s toys and books, will take place at Bradbury Hall in the Broadstone Methodist Church on August 17 from 2pm until 4.30pm.

Admission is £1 for adults or free for children.

Money raised will go to Samuel’s Fund.

For more information about Samuel and his condition, visit samuelsfund.org