The 38-year-old was diagnosed with uncontrolled epilepsy aged 17 – without any warning.

Trips to the hospital emergency room after a seizure are not uncommon – Lee has split his head open several times when he has fallen.

Mum Ann Minns, 60, lives her life on tenterhooks waiting for the next seizure, which happens at least once a day.

She looks out for him day and night and the only break she gets is when Lee visits the Donna Claire Venture in Seaburn, Sunderland – which is set to close unless £100,000 can be raised by Christmas.

Ann, of Horsley Vale, South Shields, said: "Someone needs to be with him at all times. At first, I felt really guilty when I left him here but he absolutely loves it. It's the best thing that's happened to us."

Donna Claire, in Seaburn Terrace, provides a holiday for the severely disabled while at the same time giving carers respite.

During the four years that Lee has been visiting the home, he has been taken on several trips.

Ann said: "When he goes to Donna Claire I can relax because I know I won't get a phone call because the staff are so good and it's one to one care."

Lee, who wears a helmet to protect his head in case he falls during a seizure, visits Donna Claire for a week every eight weeks.

But the family's lifeline could be taken away, as the charity is struggling with rising costs, wages and taxes and falling income.

Generous Wearsiders have so far raised about £23,000 but much more is still needed to raise the £100,000 needed before Christmas.

Lee's sister Christine, 35, a medical secretary of Bamburgh Avenue, South Shields, said: "Until you have been touched by Donna Claire personally or had anything to do with being a carer, you don't realise how important a place like this is.

"We really need as many people as possible to put their hands in their pockets."

To make a donation or set up a fund-raising event, call Donna Claire on 529 3171, drop into its charity shop at 111 Sea Road, Fulwell, or write to The Donna Claire Venture, 6 Seaburn Terrace, Sunderland, SR6 8BZ.