A GLASGOW comedian has stepped in to fundraise for a tot who has a rare neurological condition which makes her want to eat non food items.

Gary Faulds will host Zara's Hope Comedy Night at the Glasgow Power League in Townhead on Saturday at 7.30pm.

The Springburn funnyman heard about the plight of two-year-old Zara through her mum Rosemarie Hinton who is friends with a former school pal of Gary.

Rosemarie, 26, explained that Zara, who will be three in August, suffers from three conditions including Pica disorder which is characterised by an appetite for substances that are largely non-nutritive such as ice, hair or stones.

Little Zara, from Anniesland, is unable to differentiate between food and non food items, and she has also been diagnosed with severe autism and hypermobility.

Single mum Rosemarie, who also has son Tylor, 8, who has Asperger's Syndrome, said: "Literally only six months ago was the first time my daughter gave me a hug.

"I have kids with both ends of the spectrum in my house. I have my son who has Asperger's Syndrome, and he is very high functioning and intelligent. Then we have Zara who up until six months ago had no personality and she seemed very vacant."

Zara's diagnosis came about after she was born. Rosemarie explained her daughter was unsettled and crying all the time.

She said: "As a mother, I just knew something wasn't right.

"Zara is unable to communicate, I need to preempt all her needs from wanting a drink to needing food."

The family are raising funds for an expensive disabled buggy, and it is hoped that through Gary's night they will be one step closer to giving Zara a secure way of getting about outside the house.

Rosemarie said: "There is not a lot support for people in my situation. I felt I was given the diagnosis and since then I have had to deal with it on my own.

"Right now she is in a normal buggy and the wheels are actually screeching because Zara is very heavy. She looks almost four even though she will be three in August.

"If she has an episode in the pram, it can be dangerous. It has tipped over in the past and she has given herself a black eye. The pram isn't sturdy enough to deal with her when she is in meltdown mode."

The new buggy is industrial strength and will be purchased for Zara once the family have reached their fundraising target.

Gary, 29, who is building up a career on the comedy circuit, is a father-of-four and is due to be a dad again in August.

He said: "I have a massive heart for my community and it's amazing to have a talent that I can use to raise awareness or in this case put a night together for wee Zara. Hopefully we can raise enough money to get her the right equipment to make her comfortable. All people have to do to help is buy a ticket and have a great night."

There will also be other events for Zara including a fun day at the Power League on July 2, you can donate to her fundraising drive here https://www.gofundme.com/c942f-zaras-hope

You can also buy tickets to the show here https://www.ents24.com/glasgow-events/glasgow-power-league/zaras-hope-comedy-night/4990370