A fundraiser has been launched to help support an Ayr youngster whose life was turned upside down by a rare illness.

Holly Graham, 13, lost feeling in her arms and legs overnight back in March, and was rushed to hospital for tests and scans.

It was revealed by doctors in Glasgow that Holly has suffered from a spinal cord stroke, which affects her from the waist down.

Holly and mum Sonja spent five weeks in a specialist hospital in London, before being sent back up to Glasgow where they remain.

The fundraiser has been launched by family friend Lisa Logan, to help the family through their unexpected ordeal.

She explained: “It is so horrible what has happened to Holly and her family, and I want to give them every bit of support I can.

“Mum Sonja is with Holly every day, and it is hugely expensive to travel up and down to the hospital all the time.

“Added to that, they are likely to need to move house as their current accommodation is not suitable for Holly’s wheelchair and needs, which she now has to live with.

“They are unsure what the future holds, what equipment they will need and the expense of hospital stays and visits and so much more.”

Lisa added: "It is a heartbreaking time for the family, that sadly could happen suddenly to any one of us.

“At the moment Holly is starting to get some strength in her legs, but she has very little mobility apart from her arms.

“Long term, nobody has a clue what is going to happen, or what her chances of living a normal life are.

“The fundraiser has raised a great amount already with almost £4,000 donated, but we want to keep that going and are planning on doing events to raise more.

“Anything that people could donate towards this brave girl and her family would be hugely appreciated.”

Donations can be made at www.gofundme.com/f/the-graham-family-support-hollys-needs.