A CHARITY rugby match is being held to help buy an electric wheelchair for a little girl suffering from a rare form of muscular dystrophy.Two-year-old Bethany Tayla Woods, from Ipswich, suffers from merosin negative congenital muscular dystrophy, which means she does not have enough protein in her muscles to build them up and grow properly.

A CHARITY rugby match is being held to help buy an electric wheelchair for a little girl suffering from a rare form of muscular dystrophy.

Two-year-old Bethany Tayla Woods, from Ipswich, suffers from merosin negative congenital muscular dystrophy, which means she does not have enough protein in her muscles to build them up and grow properly.

More than £6,000 has already been raised for Bethany, which has helped to purchase a frame to enable the little girl to stand up.

Her parents Treena and Kevin, of Cecil Road, are hoping to raise enough money to buy their daughter a specialist wheelchair likely to cost between £5,000 and £8,000.

They are also hoping to receive a £20,000 grant to help towards the cost of an extension on their home to cope with Bethany's growing needs, and would like to raise funds for special bathing equipment.

The rugby match is being organised by Ipswich Rugby Club and will be held on April 13 at the Humber Doucy Lane ground.

Mrs Woods said: "A lot of people have gone out of their way to help with the events and to raise money.

"It's fantastic the amount of support we have had. I hope to attend it and I am hopeful Bethany will be ok to go."

A week ago, Bethany was fitted with a gastrostomy that allows her to be fed through a tube in her stomach.

Despite her condition, the little girl amazes her family and friends with her enthusiasm for life.

"She's doing really, really well. Her muscle tone is not improving but as far as everything else is concerned she's doing really well," said Mrs Woods.

"She's still as bubbly as ever and 90% of the time she is full of beans."

Only about 50 people in the UK are thought to suffer from Bethany's condition.

Her family are planning to extend their house to build a downstairs bathroom and bedroom for the little girl to help with her care.

The cost of the equipment needed – including a hydraulic bath and adjustable sink – is expected to run into several thousand pounds.

Anyone interested in supporting the event or wishing to make a donation can write to Mike Hancock, director of rugby, Ipswich Rugby Club, Humber Doucy Lane, Ipswich, IP4 3PZ.