A charity is appealing for donations to buy a special chair for a severely disabled young Fife girl.
Three-year-old Emelia McDonough has cerebral palsy which affects her ability to control her muscles.
The Glenrothes youngster is at risk of developing a serious spinal condition because of her posture.
However, Newlife, a charity for disabled children, is appealing to the local community to help raise the £1,184 it needs to get Emelia a specialist seat called a P Pod.
Emelia, who lives with her mother Lorraine, father Shaun, and 10-month-old brother Adam, has already defied the odds in her short life.
Born prematurely at 25 weeks, she contracted a life threatening infection and needed emergency surgery to remove part of her bowel when she was only six weeks old and 2lb in weight.
Her traumatic beginnings have left her with severe brain damage. She is unable to walk or sit without support and cannot carry the weight of her own head.
Although Fife Council has given her a functional chair she struggles to sit in it for longer than half an hour and has nowhere she can be comfortable or play with her little brother.
Lorraine said: “It took us a really long time just to get the functional seating from the local authority.
“But Emelia can only sit in it for short periods of time because she has to work really hard to keep her little body in that position.
“The only other option we have is to sit her on the sofa, but this doesn’t support her properly and affects her posture and her breathing as well.
“Because of her condition she should have a clear 24-hour postural care plan reducing the risk of scoliosis developing in her spine – but without the right equipment it just isn’t possible.”
Newlife’s senior manager for care services, Carrick Brown, said: “The right kind of postural support can reduce the likelihood of conditions deteriorating and additional conditions like scoliosis from occurring – and of course can reduce the need for invasive surgery further down the road.”
She said expensive surgery would put more pressure on the NHS so investing in the right support equipment would save money in the long run.
Anyone who wants to help Emalia should call 01543 431 444, or text NEWLIFE EMELIA to 70500 to give £10.
Supporters can also visit the charity’s website or email local@newlifecharity.co.uk.
