A CARING mum-of-four who launched a fundraising effort for a family she had never met has seen donations of over £1,500 in a weekend.

Emily Kelly, 29, from Upton, read about the Churchill family in the Echo, and was so moved by their story she decided to help them.

Three-year-old Harry Churchill and his little brother Cody, one, both suffer with the devastating and painful genetic condition epidermolysis bullosa, or EB, which causes their skin to blister.

It is so serious that doctors predicted neither would make their first birthdays – but the brothers are defying all expectations with round the clock devotion from their loving parents Steph and Chris.

The Echo first met them two years ago when they asked for our help raising awareness of the condition after they were stared at on the street and ignorant strangers accused them of hurting their son. Over the years the Echo has returned to their story, including Cody’s diagnosis at just two days old.

Emily, who works part time as a support worker for adults with learning difficulties, felt she “could not just sit back and do nothing” and decided to fundraise for a £3,600 electric wheelchair for Harry.

“I can’t even imagine how hard that must be,” she added. “If we can make it that little bit easier at least that’s something.”

Incredibly, her Facebook group gained more than 2,500 members within a few days and, with the backing of EB charity DEBRA, the Just Giving site, which went live on Friday, had £1,158 in donations by Monday morning – including £200 from a donor in the States.

Emily, who met the Churchill family for the first time last Thursday added: “No matter how hard things are at the moment, people still come together for things like this.”

Parents Chris Churchill and Steph Green said they were overwhelmed by the support from “amazing” Emily.

“It’s just nice to know people care enough to help us and to help Emily raise the money,” said Steph. “I just can’t wait to see Harry’s face when he gets it. We’re so excited.”

Dad Chris told how Harry, who can’t walk or talk, makes the sign for wheelchair and can’t wait to have his own.

“He tried an electric wheelchair and he absolutely loved it,” he added. “It will give him freedom and his independence. It will be life-changing.”

Emily and a host of people supporting the cause have planned several fundraisers over the coming months, from a sponsored leg wax to a sponsored walk.

See www.justgiving.com/harrys-wheels for more details.