EVELYN Jones is a girl in six billion loved by thousands!

And her mum, Barbara, is overwhelmed by the response of those who rushed to her four-year-old daughter's rescue when callous thieves struck.

Last week's Journal, told how little Evelyn is the only person in the world suffering from Undiagnosed Congenital Syndrome, making her oxygen dependent.

Since thieves cruelly stole the portable cylinder from Barbara's car, she has virtually been imprisoned in her Westleigh home.

However, Evelyn is now able to enjoy the outdoor life once more - thanks to the generosity of Journal readers.

Within hours of the Journal landing on doorsteps, we were inundated with calls from people wanting to help.

Kind hearted BOC workers presented Evelyn with a new gas cylinder and are collecting for a disabled child's buggy.

Best Friends Nursery in Tyldesley donated special toys, and a Blackpool guest house owner offered a holiday break in Blackpool.

Evelyn's mum said: "We're absolutely amazed with people's generosity - Evelyn's really pulled on the heart-strings. She is very lucky to have such excitement in one week."

She added: "We really can't thank everyone enough. It has been worthwhile and worked out pretty well. If nothing else, it's restored my faith in human nature!"

Thanks to everyone's help next week Evelyn is due to start back at Mayfield Special School, Chorley.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.