KIND-HEARTED people have banded together in Clacks to support a baby in need.

Alloa mum Chelsea Searle has issued a "massive thank you" to everyone who has helped smash her fundraising target to secure a specialist helmet for her five-month-old daughter Frankie-Rose.

As previously highlighted, Frankie-Rose was diagnosed with flat head syndrome with her mum kick-starting a fundraising drive to secure a custom-made Timband helmet for her.

Recently, dozens of children and adults took part in a sponsored walk up Dumyat to support that effort.

The helmet costs more than £2,500, but thanks to the drive and generosity of all taking part, the money needed for the deposit was raised within days.

And in the weeks following, fundraisers have managed to smash the target, with plans to donate surplus money to a charity supporting those in a similar situation.

The sponsored walk, with social distancing between households, to the top of Dumyat was organised by Chelsea's sister Heather Rae.

Heather told the Advertiser: "It was such a good turnout.

"We had two little girls aged three [Sienna and Esme-Rose] who have done the walk; it was incredible how well they managed.

"It was such an achievement for them."

Conditions were perfect for a hike on the early-September day.

Heather added: "I was honestly so proud of everybody, I didn't expect such a good turnout and it's just so nice to see how everybody has come together to support Chelsea and her girl to raise this money.

"It's been a real effort put in by so many people."

It is understood the sponsored walk alone brought in a four-figure sum.

Other fundraising efforts saw a raffle organised while Chelsea's neighbours also helped.

They included Nan Hynd and her friend Miggie Mack who braved the shave to support the Alloa tot and also organised a bingo at Shetland Court.

Plans are to donate surplus cash to Headstart4Babies, a charity dedicated raise awareness of plagiocephaly and brachycephaly, the conditions Frankie-Rose was diagnosed with.

Alternatively, some of the money could go into the "friends pot" at Technology in Motion, the company which makes the specialist helmet, to support other parents.

Heather wanted to give thanks to Andrew Littlejohn for taking some brilliant pictures of the Dumyat walk, Elizabeth Anderson at Damn Good Coffee at Gartmorn Dam for providing packed lunches for the young people.

She also gave a big nod of appreciation to everyone who came along on the day or was involved in the fundraising drive.