A big-hearted couple have launched a massive fundraising drive to give a disabled youngster more independence.

Keith and Pauline Blythe vowed to help after reading Telegraph & Argus reports about their friends Paul and Carol Finch's daughter Hayley, who has brittle bone disease.

At present lack of space in the family car means the ten-year-old from Shipley is confined to a normal wheelchair, which has to be pushed by someone else during holidays and family outings.

But the Blythes plan to run a prize draw and hope to raise £20,000 for a specially-adapted people carrier, enabling the Finches to take an electric wheelchair with them on their travels, as well as a new powered chair.

He said the Bradford-based UK office of timeshare resort company Club Olympus had donated a holiday for four in Tenerife and Mr Blythe, of Bolton, Bradford, is appealing for a travel agent to donate air tickets to go with the vacation and for other companies or individuals to pledge prizes.

He said: "When I read about Hayley in the T&A it brought tears to my eyes and I thought there must be something we could do to help.

"She's such a bubbly little character and we'd be over the moon if we could get them a vehicle which helps make Hayley more mobile and independent.

"We're hoping to start selling tickets in May, run it through the year and make the draw just before Christmas but need other prizes, large and small, to tempt people to buy tickets.''

Hayley, who has suffered more than 150 fractures since she was born, said: "It would be great because when we go away we'll be able to take an electric wheelchair and I'll be able to go round by myself or with my brother and sisters.

"I can't push myself round in the other wheelchair in case I break my arms so at the moment I have to be pushed round by my mum or dad, which is boring.''

Mr Finch said: "Hayley's almost 11 now and wants a bit of independence and to do her own thing sometimes. But that's difficult when we go away because there's no room in the car for an electric wheelchair.

"This vehicle they're trying to get would have room for an electric wheelchair, our other three children and all our luggage - it would mean such a lot to Hayley and give her that extra bit of mobility and independence.

"We're extremely touched by Keith's gesture and very grateful for all his hard work.''

Anyone wanting to donate a prize should contact the Blythes on (01274) 776273.

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