THE family of an eight-year-old girl who is not expected to live beyond her teenage years has set up a fundraiser to help improve her quality of life.

Lillie'mae Branney, from Johnson Fold, suffers from a life-limiting brain condition called pontocerebellar hypoplasia. She is also registered blind and suffers from uncontrollable epilepsy.

Alongside her little sister Sophia, she lives with her grandparents Margaret and Paul Thomas, who have had custody of the children since Lillie'mae was a few months old.

Since then, looking after her has been a 'full-time job' for grandmother Margaret and other family members. The diagnosis and Lillie'mae's ongoing health issues have put a considerable strain on the family.

They are now raising money for an iKAN brace - a rehabilitation device that helps children to stand and walk.

The family are raising £1,500 to help put a smile back on Lilliemaes face

The family are raising £1,500 to help put a smile back on Lillie'mae's face

Speaking to The Bolton News, Mrs Thomas said: "We've been told that Lillie could pass away around the age of 10 - although it is possible she will live until her teens.

"She is fully tube fed, non-mobile and non-verbal and is such a happy little girl.

"Since Covid-19 started in March last year, Lillie has not been into school and has had no access to physio. We did pay to get her assessed at another private physiotherapist but when we got back in touch to start the sessions they had permanently closed."

After discovering the iKAN brace, which will allow Lillie'mae to walk and stand at a table, as well as join in activities with her sister, the family knew it was something that they needed.

Margaret added: "It is amazing, not only will she be able to walk along with us, it will also help strengthen her legs and also help with her head control.

"The iKAN is £2,000 which is expensive but well worth the money if it helps her. If anyone would like to donate, that would be amazing."

£500 has already been raised after Mrs Thomas sold Mother's Day and Easter gifts, as well as sledges.

A link to the fundraising page can be found here.