Bathgate mum Tia Aitken is desperately trying to raise £12,000 to save two-year-old daughter Taylor’s eyesight.

Taylor Johnson was born with Septo Optic Dysplasia, which is so rare that her family have only heard of three other cases in Scotland.

The condition has left her blind and the only way little Taylor will be able to see is if she receives special stem cell treatment, only available in China.

Tia, who is also mum to baby Eli, explained to s1bathgate the urgency of Taylor receiving the specialist therapy.

She said: “There’s more chance of it working on someone of a younger age - that's why we want to get it done soon.

“I know they were looking into having stem cell treatment available for MS sufferers in this country so they might eventually develop something for Septo Optic Dysplasia but by that time it will be too late for Taylor.”

Tia and partner Lloyd Johnson, didn’t know about their daughter’s condition when she was born and it was only revealed after she became seriously ill.

Tia said: “When Taylor was four-and-a-half months, she contracted meningitis and she started having seizures; that’s when we found out.

“There’s nothing actually wrong with her eyes; her eyes are normal.

“It’s the optic nerves behind her eyes that are underdeveloped and that’s why she needs stem cells.

“She’ll have to go to China for stem cell therapy and it’s at least £12,000 for one treatment.

“It will be for about 7-10 days we go for and that should cover 10-25 injections of stem cell treatment.”

Tia and Lloyd have since created Taylor’s Fight 4 Sight, a campaign which has seen them organise numerous events in an effort to raise the five-figure sum of cash.

So far, the family have managed to raise nearly half of their target.

Often though, the condition requires a course of several stem cell treatments for full sight to be acquired.

However, Tia said that for Taylor just to be able to see one foot in front of her or have at least some light perception would be “absolutely amazing”.

The family’s latest fundraising event is a sponsored wax-athon, to be held at Kidzeco Community Enterprise, King Street, from 1pm - 4pm on Sunday, February 12.

Men will be having their legs, chests or backs stripped of hair, all for Taylor’s cause.

Tia said: “Lloyd is getting his chest waxed.

“So far, we’ve got nine guys but I’m looking for more.

“It should be great fun.”

To donate to Taylor’s Fight 4 Sight, click here. 

If you wish to help with fundraising, contact t.aitken88@hotmail.com

Volunteers willing to have their back, chest or legs waxed should contact Kidzeco on 01506 815534.