THE parents of a little girl with a rare genetic disease have started planning for their daughter's future thanks to the efforts of fundraisers and kind-hearted Wiltshire Times readers.

Around £5,000 was raised to buy equipment for 20-month-old Josselin Tilley at a music event and auction in Westbury last month, while Wiltshire Times readers have also donated more than £1,600.

Little Josselin has CHARGE syndrome and is profoundly deaf and blind.

She requires round-the-clock care and has to be fed through a tube and put on a ventilator when she goes to bed to assist her breathing.

With the money from the fundraising evening Josselin's parents, Lee and Karen Tilley, of Bitham Mill, Westbury, have had their daughter measured for a walker and a wheelchair to help her move around.

They also plan to buy a machine that will position Josselin on her side at night so she doesn't choke, and intend to use the funds donated by Wiltshire Times readers to purchase a bed.

Mrs Tilley said: "We are extending Josselin's room and we want the right kind of bed for her.

"We could just get a hospital bed, but we want something a bit nicer and a bit better, so that is something we will probably use the money on.

"We've been overwhelmed by the response from people and how generous they've been, and never had any idea anything like this would happen.

"When Josselin tried out the walker she was able to move all around the room, so this equipment will make a massive difference."

The Wiltshire Times appeal will remain open for another couple of weeks, and anyone wanting to donate can send a cheque (made payable to Josselin's Chair Appeal) or cash to the Wiltshire Times offices at 15 Duke Street, Trowbridge, BA14 8EF.