'Our daughter weighed less than a bag of sugar'

Celine was born in December last year weighing just 860g (1lb 14oz)

The parents of a girl who was born prematurely weighing less than a bag of sugar said the support they have received has "completely restored" their faith in humanity.

Lottie Mears and Charlie Lawrence, from Colchester in Essex, welcomed their first child, Celine, at 27 weeks in December last year weighing just 860g (1lb 14oz).

The family received the "worst news you could ever receive" a month later when Celine was diagnosed with myotonic dystrophy, a rare genetic condition.

They now hope to raise £200,000 to cover the cost of stem cell therapy to slow the weakening of Celine's muscles.

Celine now weighs about 5kg (11lb)

Celine spent the first six months of her life on a ventilator because she could not breathe by herself.

Her parents realised something was wrong when many of the other premature babies in intensive care were making quicker progress than Celine.

The seven-month-old now has daily appointments with her medical team.

"It's so surreal," Miss Mears, 36, told BBC Essex. "It's like living in someone else's nightmare."

'Beautiful'

Miss Mears and Mr Lawrence have been told their daughter will never have a normally functioning immune system and may need to go back on a ventilator.

Friends, family and strangers have rallied around the family, donating nearly £30,000 so far to fund the cost of Celine's treatment.

Her parents are taking part in a 60-mile (96.5km) walk from Colchester Town Hall to Trafalgar Square on 29 August to boost their fundraising.

Mr Lawrence, 35, added: "She is a happy little girl, she's beautiful and we would do anything for her."

What is myotonic dystrophy?

Myotonic dystrophy is a genetic condition which leads to progressive muscle weakening.

Symptoms can start at any age but they are generally more severe in children.

There is currently no cure.