SUPPORTERS of a West Dunbartonshire girl who suffers from a rare lung condition scaled new heights in order to fund research into the disease.

Alexandria girl Harper Hyslop, aged 5, was diagnosed with interstitial lung disease earlier this year and her diagnosis prompted a group called 'Harper's Helpers' to be formed and start a campaign into funding research into the disease.

And they boosted the fundraising coffers by embarking on a sponsored walk up Ben Lomond, which helped raise more than £1,000.

More than 20 people climbed Ben Lomond and the intrepid walkers were as follows: Jodie Mitchell Hyslop, John Mitchell Hyslop, George Mitchell, Louise Walker, Glenys Walker, Isla Walker, Ryan Walker, Jennie McLaren, Ray Cairns, Jim Burns, Jacqueline King, Gillian King, Jamie Lee Johnson, Gary Johnson, Joyce Bleakley, Matthew Bleakley, Elaine Adam, Gavin Mackintosh, Michael Mackintosh, Angela Kelly, Lisa Auchterlonie , DJ Auchterlonie, Emily Fraser and Fiona Boyd.

And although family friend, River City actress Gayle Telfer Stevens, was unable to complete the walk due to filming commitments, she showed her support too.

Harper's mum Jodie, from Clydebank, said: "It was a great day and the weather was fantastic!

"This will hopefully assist with further research into Children's interstitial lung disease and hopefully enable all children experiencing this condition and embracing their journey to do so with a bit more ease, comfort, hope and aspiration- and to leave their footprints on the journey that they call life."

Harper was on top of the world when she made her TV debut in a new series of children’s hit series The Teletubbies earlier this year.

The show’s producers visited her nursery to stage auditions for the show and later got back in touch to invite Harper and her friends to a film shoot with the Teletubbies in Aviemore – where they were tasked with making a giant caterpillar out of snow.

In the weeks that followed, Harper's illness took a hold and the family was later told about the rare form of lung disease.

It was Jodie who set up a Harper’s Helpers group to raise awareness – and funds – for the charity CHILD UK, which works to help children with lung conditions of the sort that her daughter is suffering from.

Jodie said: "My daughter Harper was diagnosed with a rare form of children's interstitial lung disease.

"Harper has not had this since birth and has lived an independent life and enjoyed being on the go and participating in activities with her friends.

"Then out of the blue she lost her spark and zest for life.

"After several weeks in hospital we were informed that Harper had a rare form of interstitial lung disease.

"However there are 200 forms of this disease and Harper is still receiving tests to define her diagnosis, this recently included a lung biopsy.

"Since going into hospital and latterly coming home Harper has required to be on oxygen 24/7 and will remain on this indefinitely or until further progression is made with her diagnosis."

Jodie, who would like to thank everyone involved in the charity walk up Ben Lomond, has set up a Just Giving page, which has already amassed a more than £3,000.

If you want to donate go to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Jodie-Mitchell-Hyslop