Plans for a new extension that will give a Carlisle youngster battling a rare brain condition a better quality of life have been approved.

Little Ella Gale suffers from a one-in-12 million condition called lissencephaly.

Although she cannot walk, she commando crawls around the room and can see and grab items.

The three-year-old, who lives with her mum, dad and younger brother Jacob, on Boston Avenue, Currock, is now set to get her own sensory room as well as a wet room and ramps.

Mum Hayleigh Boyd said: “It’s brilliant that planning permission has been passed. We’ve waited nearly a year for this. We are over the moon and looking for a builder - it’s out to tender at the moment.

“It will give Ella a bit of dignity and I will have somewhere to change her.

"She’s getting her own height adjustable table which will help my back.”

Two new ramps are also being installed so Ella can move around freely.

The family holds an annual fundraising event for Ella.

Hayleigh said: “We held an event at Harraby Catholic Club earlier this year which raised about £4,000 but we are always looking for more.

"The ramps alone cost £2,500 each and the extension about £27,000. We are also having other alterations done to our house.

"If any local businesses can help then we would be very grateful. We need things like a carpet and items for the sensory room.”

Ella has also been diagnosed with epilepsy.

“Her medication is working but she still has a few absences,” said Hayleigh.

“She’s got a hip appointment in August but we think more surgery might be needed.

“We are also looking at getting her botox in her arms to help her feed herself. She grasps the concept but her body won’t let her do it.

“We’ve got a specialist pushchair for her now so we can get about."

She continued: “Ella is a really happy little girl, always smiling and she loves Minnie Mouse and anything musical. She likes interacting with other children. Although she can’t talk she communicates with us in her own way.

“She goes to St Aidan’s Day Nursery three afternoons a week and they are brilliant with her.”

For more information about Ella and her condition, visit www.facebook.com/ellasllittleworld.

If you can help donate items or help with fundraising call Hayleigh on 07967 660802.