CHARD’S town crier is appealing to the public to help his family fund a sensory room for his daughter.

Stuart Cumming has been running a crowdfunding site online, but the deadline for donations is Thursday.

His 15-year-old daughter Lily, who some people may know from her colourful and creative carnival entries where she towers above the crowd on stilts, has ADHD, OCD with autistic traits, and anxiety.

Stuart said: “Lily has been advised that her own space within the family home would be of huge benefit to her.

“Creating a safe, quiet, sensory place will enable Lily to escape from the hustle and bustle and turmoil of everyday life and the challenges it throws at her and help enable her to grow into an independent adult within the safety of the family home.

“This request for crowdfunding is fully supported by Somerset County Council who unfortunately do not have the funds available in this present economical climate.

“A supporting letter from the occupational health department can be seen on request. Lily's issues are significant and is in receipt of Disability Living Allowence to support her.

“This application also has the backing of her psychiatrist, private counsellor, occupational therapist, family support worker and CAMHS support worker.

“Lily needs time by herself in a quiet, sensory enriched environment. Her bedroom cannot offer this due to night time anxiety. We have an adjoining brick shed that will be ideal for this purpose.

“We have access to charitable funds for equipping the room but need help with the initial work to create the space including insulation, plastering, lowered ceiling, heater, carpets, painting and a frame to create a space for Lily to curl up. We need this space to be usable for her all year round.

“Please, please can we ask you to help fund this project for Lily. It is frustrating that on the one hand it is supported by Somerset County Council, but they do not have the funds to help.”

The fundraising effort is currently just under £1,000 of its target online.

Those people who are unable to donate before the deadline can leave a letter and donation for the crier at the Guildhall.

To support Stuart and Lily online, click here.