A YOUTHFUL angel of mercy from Hartford has been helping stricken rugby player John Blower lead a new life.

John was paralysed from the neck down while playing for Northwich Rugby Club in December and is being treated at a spinal injuries unit in Southport.

A trust fund has been set up to help him and £25,000 has already been raised, but much more is still needed.

Hartford youngster Laura Holmes was so moved she set about raising money for the trust.

Within days the 12-year-old had raised £100 and her dad was so impressed he matched the amount.

At the weekend Laura and her mum Linda went to Southport to present John with the money.

'I was very nervous at first but John is such an amazing man and made us very welcome,' said Laura.

'He joked about us going to the pub together and then said, 'a kiss from a young lady, and being paid for it too!'.

'He is in really good spirits and seems to manage his illness very well.

'I asked him what he does when he feels low and he told me he just looks around at others in the hospital who need machines to help them breathe and he counts his blessings.'

Laura has also been raising money to buy more treats for the men she describes as our 'forgotten soldiers' in Iraq.

Last year she got people to cover an entire roll of wallpaper with goodwill messages. The bighearted youngster also raised money to buy the soldiers treats at Christmas and small presents for children in Basra.