A LITTLE girl is able to play outside for the first time in nearly two years thanks to the generous help of Northern Echo readers.

Smiling Jasmine Ather-Elder has taken delivery of a specially-adapted tricycle, decked out in her favourite Union Flag colours, after offers of help flooded in following a fundraising appeal.

The 10-year-old, from East Rainton, near Durham, was born with cerebral palsy and is unable to walk. Having outgrown a previous trike, for the last two years she has used a bulky wheelchair to get around, meaning she could only play indoors and watch her friends cycle outside.

National charity Caudwell Children launched an appeal in July to raise the £1500 needed and reached the target within days after kind-hearted Echo readers swamped her Just Giving page with donations, with one anonymous benefactor generously donating £800

Jasmine’s great aunt, and carer, Linda Ather, was overwhelmed by the level of support from the local community.

She said: “It’s been just amazing. We’re really humbled as we never expected such a public show of support.

“It just goes to show you that there are some extremely kind people out there. Some of the messages on Jasmines Just Giving page have been so kind.

“One anonymous donation for £5 was accompanied by the words ‘May this bring you the happiness and freedom that every little girl should have’. How beautiful is that?”

On Wednesday (Aug 27) , after a detailed fitting service, the Rainton Primary School pupil took delivery of her new vehicle.

The blue three-wheeler tricycle, with Union Flag wheels, has been adapted so her feet can be secured to the pedals and her knees are prevented from banging together.

A delighted Lisa Bates, head of applications at Caudwell Children, said: “Jasmine has hit 178 per cent of her target, which means that not only does Jasmine get the tricycle that she so desperately needs, but it also enables the charity to provide a tricycle for another child.

“I can’t really put into words what it means to Jasmine. She simply loves the trike. She’s been out peddling with her friends with a huge smile on his face.

“There are so many things that she can’t do, because of her condition, but the tricycle gives her the ability to actually do something for herself.

“With this equipment she’s regained her independence and we’re so happy to see her joining in with her friends again.”

Colleague Mark Bushell added: “I’d like to personally thank the readers of The Northern Echo for their generous support. “The speed in which they got behind the appeal was fantastic and their kind donations will change Jasmine’s life immeasurably.”