THE ‘heartwarming’ generosity of neighbours and businesses has lifted the spirits of the family of a severely disabled seven-year-old in need of major home alterations .

Single mum Carolyn Abram was left desperate by the refusal of a council grant vital to building a downstairs extension to help her care for Leila-Rose Ainsworth

The 37-year-old mother-of-three has to carry her daughter - who has cerebral palsy, brain damage and arthritis- up and down stairs to the bath and bedroom of their rented three-bedroomed home in Birtwistle Street, Great Harwood

Now she and Leila-Rose’s godmother Georgina Sheridan have set up a Facebook page and organised a fun day at the nearby Plough Pub in Queen Street on Saturday.

So far they have raised £850 towards the cost of adaptations and 60 businesses and individuals have donated raffle prizes for the event from 1pm to 4pm.

A neighbour who works for Jaguar has arranged for the car company to pay for a specially-adapted reclining chair to be made for Leila-Rose and a Lancashire Telegraph reader has offered her a hoist to help move the seven-year-old up and down stairs.

Miss Abram, who suffers increasing back pain and problems, said: “The generous response from neighbours and businesses after they learned of our plight from the Lancashire Telegraph last month has been heartwarming.

“Through the Facebook page ‘Leila-Rose Fun Day’ we have had £850 in donations of various sizes.

“A neighbour contacted her employer Jaguar who have arranged for a special reclining chair for Leila-Rose and experts are coming round next month to take measurements.

“A Lancashire Telegraph reader offered us a hoist and the occupational therapists are coming to see if it will fit in the house stairwell.

“Business and local people have donated 60 raffle prizes for Saturday’s Fun Day which look like its going to be a great event. Leila-Rose is really looking forward to it.

“People’s generosity has lifted her spirits and she feels a bit of a local celebrity.

“We are hoping to raise enough money to pay for at least part of the alterations the house needs or adapt another property if we can find a suitable one.”

Hyndburn MP Graham, Jones, who is seeking to find a way to pay for the house alterations after the borough council refused Ms Abram’s application for a £30,000 part-government funded Disabled Facilities Grant, is delighted at the residents’ response.

He said: “I am really pleased people are pulling together. That is what society is all about.”

He added: “I remain frustrated at the failure of the government, working through the council, to help this family.”