A mother looking to communicate with her eight-year-old daughter is aiming to secure a life-changing piece of equipment.

At just 18 months old, Lily Tyson was diagnosed with Rett syndrome – a rare genetic condition which causes physical and mental disabilities.

Her mother, Kirsty Tyson, 29, says the biggest and most frustrating aspect of the condition for Lily is her not being able to communicate verbally.

But, a £12,000 eye-gazing machine which Lily uses at school, could see the youngster finally be able to communicate with her friends and family.

“She’s just your typical eight-year-old girl who loves her princesses and boybands – she understands everything that’s going on her around her,” said Kirsty. “But, she can’t tell you what she wants or what she’s thinking about which can be frustrating.

“Six months ago Lily started to use eyegaze at school with fantastic results, Lily was finally able to express her thoughts and make choices of her own.

“To have her own eye-gaze machine would allow Lily to engage at home with friends and family which would be amazing, this would eliminate most of her frustration and we would be able to engage in mother-daughter conversations.”

According to a NHS spokesman, Rett syndrome is caused by a genetic mutation, the condition affects approximately one in every 10-12,000 females and is only rarely seen in males.

The full-time mum noticed something was wrong when Lily was 12 months old and was struggling to hit her milestones.

Lily learned how to say simple, short words when she was very young but she has now lost the ability and has never been able to have a full conversation with her friends and family.

But, Kirsty said the machine will, at first, allow her to make simple responses such as ‘yes’, ‘no’ and choosing set responses to questions. But after years of using it she may be able to formulate full phrases and sentences.

On May 21, a fundraising event at Dr Lea’s Body Mods shop on Roper Street, Whitehaven, will see £10 from every piercing go towards the fund which has so far gathered more than £4,000 in two months. Friends, family and strangers have donated and organised events for the fund. Kirsty said the response has been “overwhelming”.

Another fundraising event for Lily will be held at Whitehaven Civic Hall on August 20, featuring crafts and raffles.

To donate, visit www.gofundme.com/Lilysvoice