A BARRY youngster is sitting comfortably after a rugby club and its community-spirited supporters racked up almost £1,000 to assist her day-to-day life.

Barry RFC put in a match-winning performance by staging a family fun day for four-and-a-half-year-old Blisse Mellens which raised £960.30 to help fund a p pod seat, which will last three years, and a Firefly GoTo seat – costing £735 and £170 respectively.

Blisse, who has defied medical expectations from birth, has been diagnosed with polymicrogyria - a condition characterised by abnormal development of the brain before birth and rare brain disorder periventricular nodular heterotopia.

The new kit will help mum Laura and dad Ashley Mellens, 32, of Y Rhodfa, Barry, together with Blisse’s sister Neveah, ten, enjoy quality family time and further Blisse’s development.

The Ysgol Erw'r Delyn pupil, who also attends Ty Hafan hospice, has made progress so far thanks to a sensory room, toys, lights and other specialist equipment – all expensive and all self-funded with the help of supporters engaging in fundraising activities.

Mum Laura Mellens said: “The day went great. Lots of people turned up. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to those that organised and donated. Having the p pod means she has a safe chair that's comfortable and we as a family won't have to worry about the next size for a good few years. The firefly she was able to sit with us as a family at the table which may not mean a lot to some but means the world to us.”

Make A Wish has arranged a family holiday in Majorca, Spain, and the family will be able to use her new seat on the aeroplane.

Find Blisse’s Journey on Facebook.