'Thank you so much' for helping toddler Scarlett (From Bournemouth Echo)

Wellwishers have thrown their weight behind appeal for little Scarlett

6:40pm Friday 8th March 2013 in News By Miriam Phillips

THE parents of nine-month-old Scarlett Russ say they are ‘overwhelmed’ by the level of support and generosity for their daughter.

It comes after her parents Lisa and Colin Russ spoke to the Echo last week and asked for the public to help them raise £10,000 for a special vest, which will help their brave toddler breathe.

The Weymouth toddler was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis when she was six months old and will live with the condition for the rest of her life.

It affects her internal organs, especially the lungs and digestive system, by clogging them with thick sticky mucus, making it hard for her to breathe and digest food.

Mrs Russ, 22, said: “When I found out how much the vest would cost I was so upset and just couldn’t even imagine how we’d get that kind of money.

“But yesterday I was completely inundated with calls and people offering to help.

“One man even knocked on my door and handed me £15 towards the vest.

“It’s really touching that so many people care.”

The Echo is backing the Russ’ family campaign by distributing collection pots to all its retailers around Dorset and people can also donate directly to the Echo either by coming to an office or sending in a cheque.

We are aiming to raise £10,000 to buy nine-month-old Scarlett the essential vest.

Echo editor Toby Granville said: “We really want to help Scarlett and her family to raise enough money for the vest she desperately needs.

“Please dig deep and donate whatever you can to the campaign.

“Any donation, big or small, will make a huge difference to the quality of life for little Scarlett.”

The vest, which costs between £9,000 and £10,000, is attached to a machine and helps to get rid of the mucus on her lungs.

Mrs Russ said that the sum of money seems a lot but is ‘priceless’ if it keeps Scarlet alive.

She added: “It won’t cure her but it will slow it down and hopefully we can keep Scarlet for as long as we can and that’s all we want to do.”

Visit dorsetecho.co.uk/news/scarlett for more information