Watch outfor brave little Beth (From Barry And District News)

Watch outfor brave little Beth

KINDHEARTED firefighters at Barry Red Watch have raised cash to help a brave ten-year-old girl from Barry who suffers from curvature of the spine.

Ten-year-old Beth Phillips, of Claude Road West, has suffered from Infantile Idiopathic Scoliosis - a rare disease that causes curvature of the spine - since birth.

Beth's mum Julie Phillips, 42, a clerical assistant, said: "Beth is a happy, bubbly girl who has coped remarkably well with all that she has gone through. Life is hard enough growing up without this.

"Her condition causes her considerable discomfort but she has learnt to adapt to make her life as normal as possible. She is doing very well in school and hasn't let her condition hold her back at all. She has to wear a body brace for 23 out of 24 hours a day, which of course means sleeping in it. With the brace hopefully Beth will avoid having to undergo surgery."

Julie added: "Beth has a really good group of friends around her at Romilly Primary. They are very supportive. In class Beth has to sit on a special cushion.

"Although she can tire easily she still takes part in PE and also goes to a ballet class which helps strengthen her back."

Barry Red Watch donated £330, the proceeds of their Valentine's Day Disco, to the Scoliosis Association UK.

The Scoliosis Association UK is an independent organisation that aims to provide information about scoliosis and eliminate fear and stigma surrounding the condition.

The association's helpline receives and responds to about 40 enquiries a week about scoliosis.

There is no cure for scoliosis only corrective treatment for the twisting and curving spine.