HAYLEIGH REYNOLDS loves to skip and for the brave nine-year-old it's a new-found pleasure.

Just a year ago such a carefree activity was impossible for Hayleigh, who suffers from a rare degenerative disorder.

But thanks to the determination of her parents she can now join in the playground fun without a second thought.

Hayleigh, from Barmulloch, Glasgow, has mucopolysaccharidosis, which occurs in infancy and causes progressive physical and mental disability.

Twelve months ago she embarked on a life-saving treatment after her parents Robert and Heather fought to have the NHS fund it.

The £100,000-a-year Laronidase enzyme-replacement pill has the potential to halt and reverse many of the symptoms associated with the disorder.

Heather, 39, said: "Our little girl has changed beyond all belief and has amazed us all.

"She is stronger and even able to skip. Her confidence has soared."

Heather and Robert had a long legal battle with city health chiefs to get them to fund the treatment that would give Hayleigh a chance of beating the crippling condition.

Heather said: "We don't regret one single minute that we pushed for treatment. When we see the difference it has made to our Hayleigh we just hope other children are not denied it."

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde decided to fund Hayleigh's treatment just days before a judicial review of their refusal was to be heard at the Court of Session in Edinburgh.

Robert, 44, said: "It was a nerve-wracking time but it has all been worth it. We knew we had to do it for Hayleigh."

The Reynolds have a son, James, 14, and another daughter, Emma, 8, who has cerebral palsy and has had two operations in the last year.

Hayleigh's disorder is caused by a deficiency of an enzyme required to break down substances in the body.

Hayleigh has been receiving the weekly treatment in hospital since last December and doctors are now considering administering it at home.

Heather added: "We know there are kids out there in a similar position.

"I just hope their parents are able to do something."