The family of a little girl who suffers from a rare genetic disorder is throwing its support behind national fundraiser Jeans for Genes Day and is urging others to do the same.

When three-year-old Isabelle Gregory, from Hoole , was born at 35 weeks with mitochondrial disease, it was expected she would never be able to breathe by herself and had only weeks to live.

But she defied the odds and was breathing unaided 24 hours later.

The adorable toddler, who is unable to talk or sit up on her own, started attending a special needs school in January.

Now her parents Jemma and Craig and her siblings Isaac and Imogen are helping to raise awareness of children’s genetic disorders with charity Genetic Disorders UK and its annual fundraiser Jeans for Genes Day.

Three-year-old Isabelle Gregory has mitochondrial disease
Three-year-old Isabelle Gregory has mitochondrial disease

On September 18, people are invited to wear their jeans to work or school in return for a donation.

Jemma said: “Raising the profile of Jeans for Genes Day and the work of Genetic Disorders UK is so important because individually these diseases do not receive much publicity because they are so rare.”

Jemma calls Isabelle their ‘little miracle’ and says she has taught them to appreciate living in the moment.

“We don’t take anything for granted anymore,” she said.

“Although we know our time with Isabelle is limited, we want to enjoy it.

“Making memories and taking photos of our family is what we live for.”

Money raised from this year’s Jeans for Genes Day will go towards The Lily Foundation’s Family Weekend, which brings together families affected by mitochondrial disease and offers them invaluable support.

For more information about Jeans for Genes Day and for a free fundraising pack, click here.