A group of schoolchildren are rallying around their friend so she is able to play outside.
Craig Trevett and his partner Jessica Bull, 27, from Skelmersdale, found out their daughter Isabelle had spina bifida at their 20 week scan. The condition causes a baby's spine and spinal cord not to develop properly in the womb, causing a gap in the spine.
It means six-year-old Isabelle has to use a wheelchair to get around and is also incontinent. Dad Craig, 33, said the first few years of Isabelle's life were particularly difficult and he and Jessica said they are glad the six-year-old "can't remember them".
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Speaking to the ECHO, Craig said: "The first 24 months of her life were hard, Isabelle had to lie on the couch because she had a defect on her back [...] we had to turn her over if she wanted to move. During the first three years of her life we had no sleep."
Despite her difficulties, Craig said Isabelle, who loves "playing with her dolls" and singing does not let her disability get in the way. He added: "Her independence is growing and when she knows how to do something she will do it.
"She is a superstar, we are so proud of her."
The six-year-old currently uses a manual wheelchair for her mobility, which she either pushes herself or has to require an adult to do so. Craig said the NHS won't fund an electric wheelchair as Isabelle is able to propel herself.
However, the family recently acquired an electric wheelchair for the six-year-old but this needs around £700 worth of repairs.
Craig said: "With the electric wheelchair she will be able to play out with the other children. He added: "It will tick many, many more of Isabelle's independence boxes, so she can be much more independent and live life to its fullest."
Isabelle's school, St James' Primary School in Skelmersdale, are now rallying around the six-year-old to raise money for the much-needed electric wheelchair. On Friday, July 14, the school will be holding a non-uniform day.
In addition to this, the school has organised for pupils to be sponsored for running, skipping, walking or wheeling around the school's track. Craig said he could "not thank the school enough" for what they are doing for Isabelle.
He said: "It's overwhelming for us as a family and we can't thank them enough. What they do for the kids is brilliant."
If any would like help with the fundraising, please email Craig at craigtrevett.90@gmail.com
