A SEVERELY disabled teenager has been seriously "let down" after being left without the proper care she needs, according to her devoted mum who has been left struggling to cope.

Olivia Baalham, 15, suffers from a rare neurological disorder called Rett Syndrome with complications - she is unable to talk or walk, has to be fed through tubes into her stomach and needs a drip overnight to survive.

She has a carer to get her up, washed, dressed, fed and give her regular medication as well as changing her colostomy bags.

Her carer also takes her to school at Lexden Springs and home again three days a week.

But despite the family giving Essex County Council eight weeks notice the normal carer would be having an operation and would be off sick, no replacement has been found to support the family.

Mum Natalie Palmer, of Long Road, Lawford, said: "Our carer had her operation last Thursday.

"I gave social services eight weeks notice, they said they would find us an agency to fill in.

"We had meetings and they said it would be sorted and care would be in place.

"But they hadn't even found an agency and we don't know when this will be sorted.

"An agency will have to come and do an assesment before getting someone in and I've already done a week on my own.

"I'm struggling to cope."

Natalie, 43, said Olivia is a spritely teenager with a wicked sense of humour.

But trying to juggle her care as well as the rest of the family, including 11-year-old daughter Lucy and 13 month old son Alistair, means she is not getting the attention she deserves.

An Essex County Council spokesperson, said: “Whilst we are unable to comment regarding details of specific cases we can confirm that we have worked with Mrs Palmer to provide alternative provision and support to her daughter."