THE parents of a severely disabled teenage girl have appealed for help to buy her a life-changing piece of kit.

Erin Gregson, aged 13, from Little Lever has cerebral palsy, limited vision and is profoundly deaf.

The youngster loves days out with her mum and dad, Mandy Black and Mike Gregson, and uses a wheelchair to get around.

But her fun is often cut short as and many public conveniences don’t have the hoist equipment she requires when visiting the toilet — meaning the family has to return home.

Erin also misses out on some of the fun of events with family and friends as she has to leave early to use the home equipment.

A portable hoist would open up a world of opportunities for the teenager, but comes with a hefty price tag of £1,700 — and there is no government funding available.

Erin’s parents have raised £350 towards the gear but are now appealing for public donations with the support of disabled children’s charity New Life.

Ms Black said hoist facilities were “few and far between” at most of the places Erin enjoys visiting, but a hoist would transform her life.

She said: “If we want a day at the seaside we head for Blackpool because we know there are three places in the town that have hoisting facilities for public use.

“But the other nearby resorts either don’t have facilities or they are not in working order.”

She added: “Erin loves being outside — it doesn’t have to be sunny, just as long as it’s dry. She likes nothing more than to be pushed mile after mile, from first thing in the morning until tea time.

“Visiting gardens and going for walks in the countryside are a particular favourite — but our trips are always cut short because we either need to get Erin home or plan in a stop-off at a public-access toilet with a hoist.”

To support Erin go to newlifecharity.co.uk/lancashire and click on the ‘donate’ button.

Or, contact the Newlife County Liaison Team on 01543 431 444 or email local@newlifecharity.co.uk