A DISABLED schoolgirl’s life has been transformed by the generous gift of a stair lift.

Ten-year-old Jasmine Ather-Elder suffers from cerebral palsy and is unable to walk.

This summer, readers of The Northern Echo helped raise £1,500 to buy the youngster, from East Rainton, near Durham, a specially-adapted tricycle so she could play outside.

Now, after receiving a moving telephone call from Jasmine’s great-grandmother Freda Burney, 84, Acorn Stairlifts has donated and installed a £5,000 stair lift, helping her move around the home she shares with her grandparents.

Linda Ather, Jasmine’s grandmother, said: “My mum needs the downstairs bedroom so every day Ron (Jasmine’s grandfather) carries Jasmine up and down the stairs.

“As a ten-year-old she wants time with her friends in her room. How can we say no?

“It’s heartbreaking to watch Ron struggle and Jasmine is in so much pain when she’s lifted.”

On the donation, the 63-year-old said: “We still can’t believe it. We’re flabbergasted, over the moon – something of this magnitude restores your faith in human nature. It changes your life.

“Jasmine is so excited every time she travels upstairs on it, her face is a picture.”

Acorn company secretary Dave Belmont said: “Linda and Ron’s commitment to Jasmine touched the hearts of everyone at Acorn. We wanted to pull all the stops out to help.

“Their case is exceptional and the difference the stair lift has made to their future gives immense satisfaction to our team. We’re delighted we could help.”