FRIENDS and colleagues have donated more than £600 to a trust fund set up by the family of a four-year-old suffering from a mystery illness that could claim her life.

Rosie Henry was a normal, happy child until she contracted the illness which is attacking her central nervous system.

Since then, co-ordination, balance and even walking and talking have become more of a challenge - but doctors have no idea why.

Parents Richard and Diane have accepted the prognosis may not be good but, in the meantime, are determined to make Rosie's life as comfortable as possible and have set about raising money to cover the cost of adapting their Northallerton home to their daughter's needs.

"All the money raised for her will be put into a trust fund and used as and when Rosie needs it," Mrs Henry said.

Brompton Juniors Football Club, The Nag's Head in Northallerton, the North-allerton Lions, The Haynes Arms, the Northallerton Variety Company and the North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service have all helped raise cash.

Staff at Hambleton District Council - where Diane works as an elections officer - have now added £646.62, raised with a series of events during the past few weeks.

"We are very grateful to everyone at Hambleton for their love and support for Rosie," said Diane.