It has been a brighter Christmas and New Year for little Isabel Freeman and her family, thanks to generous donations from local people who have been following Issy’s story.

Back in November, Isabel’s new electric wheelchair arrived, a month before her fourth birthday and thanks to a campaign to raise £20,000 for the wheelchair; which now means that Issy can play far more easily with her friends, pick up the post for her parents, and go bowling for her birthday, amongst other new things.

Isabel was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy when she was just sixteen-months-old in May 2015. It is a life-limiting, genetic, degenerative muscle-wasting condition, with no cure.

The Journal has been following Issy’s story since December last year, when thanks to the help of Bath charity, Designability, she was given a ‘Wizzybug’; her first taste of independence, which allowed her to approach Father Christmas at a local garden centre, all on her own.

Last Autumn, fundraising began in earnest to help Issy capitalise on this newly-found independence, with a film night at Prattens Social Club raising an incredible £2,600 and a race night at Mardons raising £900, amongst other donations.

The electric wheelchair, which is not available on the NHS, will also need to be adapted, serviced and maintained for the next five years. So far, it has meant that Issy can go to the skatepark with her friends, and she was even able to go to the Carnival last year. The family, from Midsomer Norton, are now trying to raise £10,000 to help with specialist equipment for Issy at: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/isabel-freeman

Speaking via their Facebook page, Isabel SMAshing SMA, her mother said: “We are utterly speechless that in less than eight weeks you lovely people have managed to raise the full amount for Issy’s wheelchair and car seat.

“Issy has taken to her new chair like a duck to water – we are so suprised with her control, co-ordination and spacial awareness.

“We can’t wait to get out and about and explore the world around her and see what amazing possibilities this chair is going to give her.”