A YOUNGSTER is going up in the world thanks to big-hearted bosses at a Steeton-based stairlift firm.

Acorn Starlifts donated and installed a free lift, worth about £5,000, to 10-year-old cerebral palsy sufferer Jasmine Ather.

Jasmine, who has had cerebral palsy since birth, lives with her grandparents Ron Turner and Linda Ather, and great-grandmother Freda Burney.

“Jasmine needs to have everything done for her, from getting dressed to moving around the house,” Linda explained.

“My mother, who is recovering from lung cancer and has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, needs the downstairs bedroom because she gets so breathless, so every day Ron carries Jasmine up and down the stairs."

The family, who live in Durham, called Acorn Stairlifts in July and were told a bespoke curved lift would cost more than £4,000.

“We just sat with our heads in our hands when we heard. We knew we could never afford it, but knew it would make all the difference,” said Linda.

However, the family's despair turned to delight when Acorn decided to supply the device for free.

Company secretary Dave Belmont, said: “Linda and Ron’s commitment to Jasmine touched the hearts of everyone at Acorn and we wanted to pull all the stops out to help."