The plight of little Danielle Skilbeck has touched the hearts of people across the world.

This week the brave Otley youngster received a parcel from Australia from a family who had heard of her misfortune.

The four-year-old, who lost parts of some of her limbs after contracting meningitis, was delighted to open the cartoon covered package, which contained a baby blue Australian surfer top.

The youngster is still in St James's Hospital recovering from the deadly bug, which has recently seen her have skin grafts on her hands and legs.

The kind parcel was sent by former Prince Henry's Grammar School pupil Laura Tuffield, who moved to New South Wales four years ago.

Laura read about Danielle on The Wharfedale Observer's internet site, she recognised Danielle's mum Lindsay Pollard as an old school friend.

In a letter to Lindsay, Laura wrote: "Danielle sounds like a very brave little girl. We just wanted to let you know our thoughts are with you, your family and especially Danielle."

Danielle has received other messages of support from Australia and New Zealand.

Lindsay was shocked to receive the parcel, she said: "You just don't expect people on the other side of the world to think about your problems, but it is nice to know that so many people care.

"I remember Laura from school, I didn't know she had moved to Australia, but it was very kind of her to do this for Danielle. She was absolutely thrilled to open it.

"It was a really nice thought. It is lovely that people living in Australia are thinking of her."

Lindsay was given the keys to her new home on the Weston Estate on October 11 and her family and friends are busy decorating it.

The race is on to carpet, paint and clean-up the three-bedroom terrace before Danielle comes out of hospital.

Soon the youngster will be allowed home on weekend visits and Lindsay is aiming to get the work done in the next two weeks so she can bring her little girl home.

Lindsay added: "We are just waiting for everything to be delivered at the moment and I really need a plumber to sort out the sink. Otherwise it is nearly ready.

"The hospital said Danielle can start coming home for the weekend soon and I can't wait. I just want to bring my little girl home. She will love the new house and her own room."

Lindsay, who is three months pregnant and has a 19-month-old daughter called Tia, was forced to find alternative accommodation so Danielle would be able to have her own room.

When the youngster returns home she will need specialist equipment throughout the house.

Leeds City Council were able to offer the family a bigger house following an appeal by the Wharfedale Observer in July.