A SCHOOLGIRL is launch-ing a heartfelt campaign to save a four-year-old boy left brain dead by a tragic swimming pool accident.

When Jayden Brown fell into the water at a birthday party, he was starved of oxygen for 40 minutes and doctors advised his parents to turn the life support machine off.

He is now breathing by himself but his family says he desperately needs brain stem therapy in America costing £30,000.

Family friend Jasmine Pidgley is planning an eight-hour sponsored walk at Ferndown Leisure Centre to raise the vital cash.

The 15-year-old Ferndown Upper School pupil said: “Jayden hasn’t given up and neither will we. He’s making little improvements.

“He can cough, which gets liquid out of his lungs, his eyes are opening and shutting and he’ll respond if you touch him with cold hands.”

But his joints are starting to seize up and Southamp-ton General Hospital can only offer physiotherapy five days a week, so fundraisers say a trip to America is crucial for his progress to continue.

Jasmine added: “We need to get this done as soon as possible.

“The longer he’s in this state, the worse his outlook is. It’s heartbreaking. Up until eight weeks ago he was a normal, lively little boy, a right troublemaker.”

Jayden’s mum Debbie, who lived with the Pidgleys for a while, sits at his bedside everyday with her 10-month-old son Colby.

“She’s refused to give in,” Jasmine said. “The doctors said he wouldn’t live, but he’s proved them wrong.”

Jayden was staying with his father when the accident happened.

“He’d taken a Spiderman mask to the party. We’re not sure whether he fell in because he couldn’t see where he was going, or if it was in the pool and he tried to get it out.”

Jasmine’s fundraiser, including live music, a raffle and stalls, runs from 9am-5pm on Sunday, October 17.

To take part or help out, contact jazzykay@hotmail.co.uk.