A LARGS mum has launched a £10,000 fundraiser to give her daughter a trained service dog that she believes would change her life.

Nicola Smith, 15, was born with a rare neurological condition known as microcephaly, which has left her with learning difficulties, disability and autism.

Mum Lynn Watt believes a service dog will give Nicola more independence, boost her confidence and help when the teenager has one of her regular breakdowns.

She said: “Nicola has plates in her head that fused, and as a result her brain does not have room to grow.

“Before her third birthday, Nicola had two major surgeries that unfortunately were not successful and have resulted in brain injury, leaving her with learning difficulties and disability.

“Unable to read and write and along with the recent losses of family members, Nicola is now developing mental health issues.

“As well as living in constant pain, she is also self-harming so a service dog is literally the last option for her.”

The dog, from Assistance Dogs Scotland CIC, would be trained to a high standard and Lynn believes the animal would give Nicola a new lease of life.

She explained: “Nicola wants to be independent but her disability limits her and she doesn’t have the ability to socialise.

“The dog would not only be a companion, but would be trained to assist her when she has one of her regular breakdowns.

“It will be trained in how to soothe her, and also alert myself or her carers if something bad is happening.

“I hope it will also give Nicola confidence and give her that small bit of independence that she desperately desires.

"Her service dog would be much more than a regular dog, it would completely change her life for the better.”

Lynn hopes the generosity of the Largs community can shine through, as she hopes to raise the £10,000 needed to secure the dog for Nicola.

She added: “The money would cover the cost of purchasing the dog, its training and equipment, and would all go straight to the company.

“It would be wonderful if we could raise this, as it would allow Nicola to be part of the community and be herself.

“It would also give her some reassurance and comfort with the difficulties she faces, and other obstacles she will come across in the years ahead.

“The dog will give her more of a life than she has now, and I would be eternally grateful to anyone who can help us with that.”

To donate to Nicola’s fundraiser go to www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/lynn-watt.