The family of a toddler who has lived most of his life in hospital after suffering major brain damage is appealing for help to bring him home.

Four-year-old Nathan Ellul has been receiving neurological treatment at Tadworth Children’s Trust rehabilitation centre for three years after he stopped breathing.

His mother, Suzanne, and twin sister, Gabriella, had to move out of the family’s home in Woodford Green, Essex, to stay close to him during his treatment.

When Nathan was finally discharged, in April last year, he had to remain at the centre because the family were told their home would have to be adapted before he could move back, and the changes would cost £50,000.

Mrs Ellul said: “I had to give up my job to move here with Gabriella, so we could be close to Nathan. He has received amazing treatment here and he has been ready to go home, but unless we fit the house with wheelchair access, a lift and wider doors, for instance, we can’t take him back.”

To raise the funds, the family have launched the Bring Nathan Home Appeal, complete with a Facebook group, to try to raise money so their son can return home.

Nathan, who was born with a condition called “floppy airways”, stopped breathing when he was 14 months old at his home and was left severely brain damaged as a result.

Mrs Ellul said: “He can’t even sit up on his own, although he is much better now than he was three years ago.”

A high-flying insurance worker, Mrs Ellul had to leave her well-paid job to care for Nathan and Gabriella full-time, while their father, Ian, still lives and works in their home town.

Mrs Ellul said: “I can’t take it anymore. I’ve been here for so long my daughter doesn’t even know what a normal life is. Gabriella doesn’t know any different from the centre. She’s been living here most of her life and I really want her to be able to have a normal childhood. She thinks this is her home and refers to our Woodford Green house as ‘daddy’s home’.”

To help, see Bring Nathan Home Appeal on Facebook or send a cheque to Nathan Ellul, Mulberry House, the Children’s Trust, Tadworth Court, Tadworth, KT20 5RU.