A BRIDPORT woman who has been unable to work since a car accident is pleading for help so her puppy live a pain-free life.

Rachael Lewis, 29, bought the nine-month-old Boston Terrier, named Storm by her nine-year-old son Hayden, from a breeder in Cardiff when she was nine weeks old.

Very soon after she began having seizures and Rachael took her to the vets who said she'd never be insurable as she was already ill and was likely born with her condition.

At first the vets thought it was neurological and for a while had difficulty with stability and walking. Rachael said: "Thankfully it wasn't neurological. However she had luxating patella in both hind legs and severe ligament damage on her left leg which required titanium implants."

It's going to cost Rachael £3,000 to have both legs done and although Rachael, who suffers from fibromyalgia, has raised £1,400 she needs help to find the balance.

She added: "She has had her left leg done and is currently recovering from that. But I need to pay off the rest before her second leg can be operated on. If it's not, she could damage her fixed one by putting all her weight on it.

"I have always worked hard but due to illness I'm currently unable to work and am claiming disability benefits. I'm trying hard to create a positive and healthy life for myself and my family of which Storm is a huge part. I just want Storm to have a good quality of life and know life without pain."

Rachael, who worked at Superdrug before her accident, has raised £550 at car boot sales selling donations from friends but has now started a justgiving page to help her.

She added: "I have suffered with mental health issues since I was 14 and since the accident and the stress I have chronic muscular skeletal pain all the time.

"If it was wasn't for Storm I wouldn't leave the house some days. She really keeps me going."

If you want to donate the address is justgiving.com/crowdfunding/rachael-lewis or if you have goods for her car boot sales email achael.lewis666@icloud.com