A TINY tot, who was seriously ill at birth and spent weeks in a specialist hospital, has blossomed into “the happiest little girl” but is now facing a new battle.

Eight-month-old Emme, who was whisked away to intensive care with bowel problems days after being born, has been diagnosed with cystic fibrosis and is relying on a nebuliser to inhale antibiotics to fight the infection it caused.

However, the stark reality of how austerity is biting at Great Western Hospital means it cannot provide everyone with the potentially life-saving piece of equipment due to limited resources and growing demands.

Until one becomes available Emme is borrowing one from another family, thanks to arrangements made by a nurse.

But it has inspired mum Carly Read, 33, to raise money to buy more for the hospital to help make a difference to others in the same situation.

“Until it happens to you, you don’t realise and it’s really pulled on my heartstrings,” said the West Swindon resident, who is also mum to Hayden, seven.

“It would just be amazing to get the money and give something back because the hospital doesn’t have the funding.

"Even one would make a big difference. Hopefully Emme will only need it for three months but other people need it for life.”

The equipment costs around £600 to £1,000 each.

Carly is organising a charity clothes swap at Toothill Church on Thursday, November 24 from 10am. People are invited to bring along clothes to swap, as well as part with their cash for a good cause.

Carly hopes the community gets behind the appeal.

“Emme is not the only one in Swindon with cystic fibrosis,” she said. “Just buying one will make a difference. I want to be able to help as much as I can.”

And despite Emme’s health difficulties, the youngster still leaves her mum in awe at how happy and smiley she is.

“It is a bit of a life-changer but she’s just the happiest, most amazing baby,” said Carly.

“I know I’m biased because I’m her mum, but she lights up a room and she’s spellbinding. She has definitely made me look at life differently.”