A POORLY bed-bound teenager, Caitlin Ronan of Wellington Heath, has achieved her ambition of providing another high-tech communication device for a youngster in a similar position, to provide an invaluable link to the outside world.

Last year, when Caitlin, her family and friends started funding for a high-tech high-tech "Eye Gaze" system, made by the Malvern-based company Smartbox, the target was £8000.

But from the onset, Caitlin, now 17, and a student of the John Masefield High School in Ledbury, wanted to fund-raise not only to help herself, but to help others also.

The Smartbox system allows Caitlin, who suffers from a progressive neurological disease, to access the computer and television and send private phone calls and text messages from her bed.

Now the fund-raising total has reached more than £32,000, and Caitlin not only has a Smartbox system herself, she has been able to provide one for a Scottish ten year old, Finlay Sangster, who lives in Stonehaven and has cerebral palsy.

Finlay's mother, Gail recently wrote to express what the system meant to her son, when it arrived.

She said: "‘It's been a manic day but we had a very special delivery today in between the craziness. I hope everyone remembers the amazing story of a fabulous young lady who raised money to support others in the use of the Eyegaze computer. Well Finlay's computer has arrived with absolutely everything he could ever need and wish for."

To Caitlin, Mrs Sangster said: "Finlay was beaming from ear to ear at the thought of more Skype conversations. We can't thank you enough for your support, it will make such a difference."

Caitlin herself has been very busy recently, studying for her AS level exams.

But she said: "I have been absolutely delighted that my fundraising total has now reached over £32,000 which includes payments made directly to ourselves rather than only through the Go Fund Me page."

Fundraising has literally taken place the length and breadth of the country.

Family friend John Barnett, of St Andrew's, recently completed a sponsored cycle ride from St Andrews to Carshalton, Surrey, where both he and the Ronans used to live.

Caitlin said: "It was a journey of 600 miles and he sent us lots of updates and photos along the way, and he raised an amazing £1,215."

Caitlin added: "Emily Beavan, one of my day time carers, was very generous as, when she was organising her 20th Wedding Anniversary party, which was Star Wars themed, she asked all her guests to donate to my campaign rather than give her and her husband Rob presents. Her family and friends were very generous and donated £708.

"Through Emily and her connection with the UK Garrison, a not for profit Star Wars costuming group, who attended her party in full Star Wars costume, they also donated £1,500 as they were so touched by what I was trying to achieve for other children."

Caitlin's back has effectively collapsed twice and immunoglobulin treatment, steroids and plasma exchange treatment has failed to stop the progression of her condition, which is called chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy and only effects around 500 people in the UK at any one time.