AN appeal to transform the life of a disabled Verwood toddler by creating a much-needed accessible garden has received a significant boost.

Two-year-old Isabel Dunning, who will be three in May, has cerebral palsy, severe brain damage, chronic lung disease, bone disease, epilepsy and is registered blind. She is totally dependant on her family and carers.

Verwood Pantomime Society gave a donation of £1,250 to support the Hope for Isabel appeal.

The money, which was donated by audience members during the society’s latest production of Robin Hood and Babes in the Wood, is going towards making the family’s garden more accessible for Isabel.

The garden will also have a sensory area for her.

Her mum Shelley Colclough said Isabel “absolute loves” being outside in the garden and enjoying the sun on her face. She finds it difficult to regulate her body temperature, which Shelley said makes it difficult to take her on outings.

She said: “It is going to make her life so much better. She loves being out in the sun.”

Shelley said they hope to start work on the garden this summer.

Isabel was born at 25-weeks-old and had to spend six months in Southampton General Hospital.

She had a “really tough time”, said mum Shelley.

Isabel cannot sit, crawl , walk or talk and needs 24/7 care.

Shelley said: “When it’s nice we are desperate to use the garden but it’s not suitable. We’re looking forward to getting it [the new garden].”

She said they felt “really privileged” to receive the donation from Verwood Pantomime Society.

Over the years the society has collected thousands of pounds for various charities and said a “huge thank you to everyone who donated for their generosity as always”.

More than £3,000 has been raised toward the garden and it is estimated to cost in the region of £6,000. For more on the appeal go to the Hope-For-Isabel Facebook page.