The family of a woman who tragically passed away at the age of 22 earlier this year are holding a fundraiser on Saturday to raise awareness of the disorder which claimed her life.

Biggleswade woman Chelsey Austin lost her battle with Rett Syndrome – a rare neurological disorder which affects the development of the brain – on April 15, leaving behind a loving mum and dad and seven siblings.

Older sister Nikita Austin started fundraising the week after Chelsey’s death to raise money for Reverse Rett – a charity which works to raise awareness of the disorder.

The 26-year-old said: “Fundraising has helped in some way or another with the pain and emptiness that I felt after losing such a huge part of our family.

“Imagine a beautiful little girl who has the ability to speak, play and use her hands but then one day it is all taken away.

“Deteriorating throughout her childhood, losing the ability to walk, plagued by problems with eating, breathing and just being, until she is locked in to a body that doesn’t work at all.

“Well this is what my courageous little sister dealt with during her 22 years of life.”

The fundraiser is take place at Biggleswade Social Club, from 12 noon onwards, where there will be a bouncy castle, music, face painting and plenty of refreshments.

You can donate to the family fundraising page – which has already raised more than £1,300 – by visiting www.justgiving.com/ChelseyAustin.