THE Barrow family of a boy whose extremely rare childhood Alzheimer's condition has deteriorated have been heartened by the community who have raised a significant amount towards his new wheelchair.

Taylor Smith, 11, has Niemann Pick Disease Type C, a life-limiting genetic disease which affects the brain and mobility.

The disease has progressed, and the brave Barrow lad now rarely speaks. He also suffers seizures and struggles swallowing.

The family are having to come to the terms with cruel fact that Taylor may only have several years now with his loved ones - including his brothers Keelan, 13, and Ashton, five.

Taylor uses a wheelchair to help him get around. His family said what he has now is basic and he needs something more suitable for his needs. They have been fundraising to get him a bigger, more comfortable wheelchair, with a head rest and rain shield and that is motorised to allow him to lie back.

Over the years, the family have raised money towards awareness of the disease - now they have put their efforts into generating funding for a new wheelchair, costing around £2,500.

Taylor's aunty, Paula O'Hara set up a GoFundMe.com page which has raised £1,120, including £500 from Taylor's great-grandparents June and Charlie O'Hara. Yesterday, Taylor's great uncle Dean Leith added another £1,000 to the fund, leaving just £380 to reach the target amount.

Taylor's mum Stephanie O'Hara said she is "overwhelmed" by the generosity of everyone. Miss O'Hara and her sister thank all those supporting Taylor.

Miss Paula O'Hara, 32, said: "We can't believe the generosity, it's brilliant."

They said the show of love was just the same at Taylor's 11th birthday party, which saw families fill the back of Marsh Street. There was an extra special tribute from local bikers, as Taylor is a big fan of motorbikes, which they are also very grateful for.

Miss Stephanie O'Hara, 30, said: "Taylor has deteriorated. His speech has gone, and dementia has kicked in. It is this year that we have seen a real deterioration.

"It's hitting home now and it's heartbreaking. We take each day as it comes.

"We are trying to jam pack his life with activities and create memories for his brothers, who adore him.

"Ashton says 'he's special, Taylor - he's been sent from heaven' and Keelan fully understands what is happening."

The family have organised some family breaks together.

Taylor is a pupil at George Hastwell School, Walney, and he loves school and his teachers.

He is a patient at Royal Manchester Children's Hospital.

The Taylor's New Wheels fundraising page is here