THE family of a severely disabled girl shed tears of joy after a children's charity agreed to give them vital funds to improve her life.

The Finlay Cooper Fund, which was set up by former Middlesbrough footballer Colin Cooper and his wife Julie, has come to the rescue of seven-year-old Amelia Morrison from Darlington.

Amelia's parents, Terri and Richard, were originally overjoyed after receiving a £30,000 grant to help fund a new extension to their home, which would include adaptations to meet her needs.

The extension is needed as Amelia is unable to walk, talk, eat or drink, and her parents are finding it extremely hard to perform her daily routines.

However, they received a phone call out of the blue last week, telling them they need to raise another £4,300 themselves to fund the project.

A GoFundMe page has helped the family raise almost half of the required amount, but the Finlay Cooper Fund, set up in memory of Mr and Mrs Cooper's little boy who tragically died in a choking accident in 2002, has agreed to provide the rest of the money needed.

Amelia's auntie, Holly, said: "When I told Amelia's mum at first she thought it was a hoax, but when we finally realised it was genuine she just started to cry.

"It is such a relief, knowing that whatever happens now we can tell the builder we've got the money we need.

"We just want to thank everybody – it is amazing."

Amelia spent the first year of her life in hospital, the majority of that time was in the RVI Newcastle, away from the family home in Darlington. From birth she has been gastrostomy fed, and had to have a keyhole operation on her heart, as well as open heart surgery.

The Finlay Cooper Fund, which launched in August 2006, has provided more than £600,000 for children’s causes across Teesside.

But last year, the couple announced they would be closing the fund, meaning Amelia will be one of the final projects the charity will support with its remaining funds.

Nick Waites, trustee of the Finlay Cooper Fund, said: "It is great to know we can make a difference to the lives of people like Amelia.

"I have never met Amelia and probably never will, but if we can help in a small way and make the life of someone better than we will.

"We've still got some funds left and we will be looking at significant projects to support, but it is also great to provide support to the likes of Amelia."