A FAMILY are close to raising the money needed to help a five-year-old girl who was struck down by a muscle-wasting disease.

Taylor Rayson, of Allan Critchlow Way, Rishton, suffers from spastic diplegia, a form of cerebral palsy which is expected to leave her in a wheelchair by the time she is 13, as doctors say her legs will not be strong enough to carry her weight.

But her family and friends have rallied round to raise £3,000 to pay for rehabilitation therapy at a centre in Bedfordshire which could keep her walking.

Several fundraising events have been held in the town, and they are just £500 away.

Now a charity psychic night is to be held on Friday in an attempt to make up the rest of the funds ready for the trip on June 5.

Mum Clare said: "She is doing great, we are only £500 short and we are going in two weeks. Hopefully we will get enough money from this event. I have done a swim and a friend has done a bike ride.

"Everyone has done absolutely brilliantly. We couldn't ask for more support."

The event, featuring medium Eileen Rose, a psychic with 30 years experience, will take place at the Rishton Legion Club, Walmsley Street, from 8.30pm.

A raffle, with the top prize a Blackburn Rovers signed football, will also be held.

Tickets are £5 on the door.