"It feels like the world's against you" - Mum forced to pay for life-changing surgery
Sian Roberts had to pay over £35,000 for a private clinician in London to complete a life-changing procedure for 11-year-old Iolo, after their health board refused
A Llansamlet mum says her disabled son's been unfairly treated and discriminated against by Swansea Bay University Health Board.
11 year old Iolo Roberts was born with downs syndrome and has trouble with movement after developing cerebral palsy.
The family were told the NHS wouldn't carry out a much-needed hip operation - believing it not to be in Iolo's best interests.
Sian Roberts has since paid over £35,000 for what she call's life-changing private surgery.
Sian told us;
"It is tiring, we have no savings left.
"Iolo sleeps in the dining room and we have to carry an 11-year-old upstairs to the bathroom.
"It's dangerous."
Iolo recently underwent surgery to his hip which will allow him to stand.
Sian had originally planned to have the operation done through the NHS at Swansea Bay University Health Board.
She believes they refused as Iolo has a learning disability.
"It seemed strange and unfair that he couldn't have this operation on the NHS.
"We know of other children that have had similar operations. We were left thinking we'd been told no because he has learning difficulties, essentially he's not worth it.
"It hurts, you know...it feels like the world's against you sometimes."
Following his surgery, Iolo is expected to take four weeks to recover.
In response, Swansea Bay Health University Board says: "We are very sorry to hear of the family’s concerns regarding Iolo’s care.
"As we have not received a formal complaint, we have been unable to conduct a full investigation.
"Nevertheless, we would welcome the opportunity to discuss the family’s concerns with them directly."
Following Sian's interview with Bauer Media Group, she has submitted a formal complaint to Swansea Bay University Health Board.