The mother of an 11-year-old girl who has a debilitating illness, said it was "warming" to think that people had rallied together and raised money for her daughter.

Sian Moorcroft, of Abbots Langley, has Intermediate Type II Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), which means she is unable to walk or stand.

But after a number of fundraising events, Sian was presented with a new chair by Master Johnson, from BJ Academy- a taekwondo club based in Abbots Langley at an event on Saturday, July 19.

The club has held numerous fundraising events, including an entire day where all the proceeds, through things such as raffles, went towards the new chair. 

Sian’s mother, Emma said: "It is amazing. It is really quite warming to think that people have all rallied together to raise money for Sian. They are just a great bunch of people.

"It has just gone from being a really hard year to a really amazing year with all the support everyone has given us."

Tanners Wood School, where the 11 year-old went to school, held a non-uniform day where more than £300 was raised.  

Sian has had 21 operations as part of her treatment and has only just returned to school after having six months off after surgery.

Her mum added: "It was a massive operation, but as usual, she has bounced back.

"The chair was an incentive to get through all the pain, because she was in horrific pain during the surgery." 

Master Johnson from BJ Academy, said: "If we can really help someone or change someone’s life along the way and make it better, the club will try and do whatever we can if it is possible.

"The committee in the club decided ‘lets see if we can make this little girl’s life better."