A REDNAL woman has pledged to do all she can to help raise £10,000 to give an inspirational young girl a longer and more comfortable life.

33-year-old Kelly O'Nions, a teacher at St James' Catholic Primary school, is trying to raise the cash for Abbi Bennett, just seven-years-old, who suffers from Ullrich Congenital Muscular Dystrophy - an ultra rare muscle wasting condition.

It is hoped that the cash will help go toward research into the one-in-million disease.

Miss O'Nions, who along with a group of friends recently took part in the Oxford Town and Gown 10k event, has so far managed to help raise more than £1,000 for the appeal.

Speaking about the race, she admitted: "This is the first physical event I have got involved with.

"I decided that I wanted to do something that people never would expect of me. There have been quiz nights, race nights and curry nights, which were easy to attend, but as I'm not your regular runner I knew this would be more of a challenge, and therefore hopefully would raise more money.

"It wasn't as bad as I thought but it was hard and I'd have to think twice before I agree to another one. The donations played a big part in helping get round the course and obviously the fact that Abbi's so brave and such an inspirational little girl who doesn't let anything get in her way - so why should I."

People with the disease generally will present a delay in the onset of walking, some never walk at all.

Brave Abbi, who lives in Birmingham with parents Gary and Sarah, can walk, but she cannot run or jump and she struggles to get up from a seated position.

She has to rely on a wheelchair and may become a full time wheelchair user and develop respiratory problems as the muscles around her lungs find it more difficult to cope.

Miss O'Nions added: "I've been very good friends with Abbi's mum and her sister for many many years now so have watched her grow up and seen first-hand how the condition has affected them all.

"It's important to raise awareness into Abbi's condition as it is so rare. 100 per cent of the funds raised will go into research into Ullrich which will help Abbi, and others affected, to live a longer more comfortable life."

For more information about the appeal or to donate, visit justgiving.com/Abbi1inamillion.