A COMMUNITY is pulling together to help a special little girl who suffers from a rare genetic condition.

Eight-month-old Lillie-Mae Laing was born with oculocutaneous albinism, which affects her skin, hair and eyesight.

Mum Jenna has started a fundraising drive to raise money for sensory toys which will help her development.

She also wants to raise awareness of the condition, which affects around one in 17,000 people in the UK.

Jenna, who lives on Portland, said: “Lillie-Mae has only 20 per cent vision, but she is fascinated by anything shiny.

“When she was first diagnosed I didn’t really know anything about the condition and you have to hunt high and low on the internet, but once you find what is out there it opens up a whole new world. The support you can get is amazing.”

Money raised at the event on Saturday will go towards buying Lillie-Mae a soft-light lamp and leftover funds will be donated to the Albinism Fellowship.

Jenna eventually wants to fit out her daughter’s room with tactile toys made of different fabrics.

“Whenever she meets people she touches their face and that’s how she recognises them when she sees them again.

“When she’s older she will have a guide dog but for now these toys will help her development.”

Jenna added that she occasionally has to explain Lillie-Mae’s condition to people.

“She has to wear factor 50 sunblock even at this time of year, and sunglasses to protect her eyes.

“One women once told me that she thought I was ‘pimping’ my baby out because of the sunglasses, which wasn’t very nice and a lot of people do stare.

“She will be fine, but it will be hard growing up with that stigma of being different.”

Fiona Rodriguez, landlady of the Clifton Hotel, where the event will be held, said she heard about fundraising efforts in aid of Lillie-Mae on Facebook.

She said: “We heard her mum was in need of a room where she could hold the event so I got in touch to offer the Clifton.

“My son is also getting involved as a waiter and we’re putting on some food.

“It’s a really good cause and the whole community has got involved.”

Jenna added: “Fiona has just been brilliant. I couldn’t have done it without her.”

The event, which starts at 7pm, will include a buffet, drinks, music and stalls selling Christmas gifts and items. Tickets cost £10 and are available by calling 01305 820473.