A CHARITY providing vital support to youngsters with life-shortening conditions has asked Wee County residents to show their support for those it cares for.

Children's Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) has encouraged people to share the things that bring them joy on social media or their website.

This could be through drawing, creating a video, recording a message or simply writing a few lines of support which will be shared with children and families who might be feeling isolated.

The new campaign comes on the back of CHAS launching the UK's first virtual children's hospital in response to the changing needs of those currently in their care.

One of those people is Ayla Johnstone, who lives in Sauchie with her mum Caroline and dad Karem, who is staying in Turkey at the moment.

Eight-year-old Ayla was diagnosed with Edwards' Syndrome, a rare genetic condition otherwise known as trisomy 18.

In addition, she experiences seizures, skeletal issues, gastrointestinal problems, cognitive delay and breathing problems due to congenital lung abnormalities.

Children with Edwards' Syndrome usually die before or shortly after birth, with very few reaching their first birthday. This means Ayla, now eight and a half, is something of a medical miracle.

And she has been supported by CHAS since she was born in 2011.

The couple credit their daughter continuing to thrive thanks to the team at Rachel House in Kinross where Ayla went there for respite for a few nights every three months, before the coronavirus pandemic hit.

Caroline said: "She also absolutely loves the sensory room and going out for walks around the beautiful grounds there and also going in the Jacuzzi.

"Ayla is quite sassy and loves a bit of nonsense but is also really tactile and affectionate and the staff all know her personality so well.

"She generally just loves all the attention, enjoying nothing better than sitting on your knee, being read a story."

Sadly, as a result of the coronavirus crisis, Ayla can't attend Rachel House for respite at the moment so is 'shielding' at home instead.

However, the mother and daughter can still be in close contact with everyone and everything they hold so dear at Rachel House thanks to CHAS's virtual children's hospice.

The aim of the hospital is to bring fun activities such as story-telling, clown doctor sessions, art clubs and more into the homes of children.

As part of the new service, CHAS parents will also have 24-hour access to nursing, medical and pharmacy advice by phone and video as well as bereavement support, money and benefits help and practical advice about the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Caroline added: "It is a fantastic idea as Ayla really will miss her respite visits to Rachel House, but this enables her to stay in touch with the activities team and feel part of all the usual hospice goings-on.

"It's really reassuring too to know that any time I need CHAS they are just a phone call away and I can access vital clinical advice any time, night or day."

She added: "That truly is a lifeline."

To take part in CHAS' campaign and share a message of joy, visit chas.org.uk/joy or use social media along with the hashtag #ShareYourJoy and tag @supportCHAS.

To donate to CHAS vital ongoing work, visit chas.org.uk/donate