A seriously-ill Baildon girl will get a specialist disability buggy sooner than expected to replace one stolen by heartless thieves just after Christmas.

Audrey Frantzich’s parents were left devastated after their Rover car and essential equipment in it for their daughter were taken on December 27.

Then, Louise and Herman Frantzich were overwhelmed when members of the public came forward offering to help the family after reading of the plight in the Telegraph & Argus.

Now, disability charity the Newlife Foundation has promised to fast-track the family’s application for the £2,610 buggy – and Audrey should have it by next month.

The buggy will help improve two-year-old Audrey’s quality of life and will also accommodate her emergency equipment. She has Trisomy 9 Mosaic (T9M), a rare condition which means she cannot sit up on her own, is very small for her age, and cannot walk or talk. She is also fed by tube, has reflux, spinal problems, two hearing aids and a cleft palate.

Mrs Frantzich, 28, said: “We are really, really delighted with the buggy. Audrey will be very comfortable in it and very happy in it. It will mean she will be able to see more of the world.”

Newlife lead nurse Karen Dobson said: “This buggy will provide appropriate postural support for Audrey, help maintain good head control and ensure her airway is not compromised. It also has a tilt facility, which will enable her to sleep, and will accommodate her oxygen, feeding pump and another other medical equipment needed. This is a bespoke piece of equipment from a specialist supplier and is not available ‘off the shelf’, hence the short wait for delivery.”

Mrs Frantzich said it is normally a lengthy process to get a buggy because it has to be fitted for each specific user.

“We first got her fitted for it about five months ago,” she said.

Meanwhile, Mrs Frantzich said she had been contacted by an American businesswoman who divides her time between the USA and England.

“She saw Audrey’s story and wanted to help out with equipment for the buggy,” said Mrs Frantzich. “She is getting us a special tray and a Cosy Toes footmuff to keep Audrey’s feet warm in winter.”

Newlife Foundation is currently working with four other families in West Yorkshire with equipment needs of £2,610 – including an application for a £400 safety harness for a child in Bradford.

If you think you can help children in West Yorkshire, the Newlife Community Fundraising Team can be contacted on freephone 0800 988 4640.