A FOREST community is coming together to raise £10,000 for equipment that would transform a toddler’s life.

Three-year-old Ruby Williams of Yorkley was diagnosed with scoliosis – a curvature of the spine – “out of the blue” in May.

The 60-degree curve in her upper spine affects her breathing, the way she walks and her general posture.

A series of braces – which cost around £3,000 each – could correct the curve and allow the ballet-loving toddler to lead a normal life.

Mum Melissa hopes their campaign will also raise awareness of scoliosis.

On Saturday (September 23), Ruby, her mum and big sister Lara joined friends for a sponsored walk at the Sculpture Trail at Beechenhurst and they have a family fun day planned at Yorkley Community Centre on Sunday, October 8.

Ruby saw a physiotherapist at the Dilke Hospital in Cinderford after staff at her playgroup in Yorkley noticed the way she was walking.

Mum Melissa said: “We took her along expecting it to be weak ankles or maybe a hip problem and out of the blue they said it was scoliosis.

“Since then we’ve been passed to Gloucester Royal Hospital and Bristol Children’s Hospital who’ve been amazing, but we want to get the brace because it will be a lot less traumatic.”

Alternatives such as a body cast would have a huge impact on her quality of life, preventing her from taking the ballet classes in Broadwell that she loves.

Melissa said: “If we can get the curve below 30 degrees, she will never have to have surgery.

“A new brace is needed for every four centimetres they grow, so we think she will need three or four.

“We are raising money to start the treatment and get her on her way.

“Because she is so young, her chances of it further affecting her lungs are frighteningly high.”

She added that raising awareness of the condition and the work of the Scoliosis Association was also important.

“Ruby is always smiling and she says she wants to help other children who have pain like her.”

The community day, which will run from 12.30pm until 3.30pm, will include a range of attractions including animals, archery, a cake stall, martial arts display and vintage cars.

Melissa said: “We only moved to Yorkley from Coleford two years ago but the generosity of the community has been overwhelming.”

For more details of the campaign, visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/raise4ruby