THE mum of Pontypool baby Jaiden Jobbins who suffers from cystic fibrosis wants to say a "great big thank you" to everyone who has donated money to Jaiden's Vest Appeal.

Since the Free Press covered Jaiden's plight in February, there has been a surge in donations, and the appeal has now the reached half-way point, raising £3,500 of the £6,995 needed to buy a chest therapy vest for Jaiden.

Jaiden's mum Teri Jobbins said: "People have donated a lot of money from all over - we've even had a couple from San Fransisco send a donation.

"I can't thank everyone individually but I want to say a great big thank you for just support Jaiden and supporting us.

"There's been some lovely messages as well and I haven't been able to reply to them yet because I've been in hospital this week with Jaiden, but I want to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart."

Jaiden was rushed into Nevill Hall hospital last week with a lung infection and has been treated with antibiotics through an intravenous drip for 12 days, but is now safe at home.

Mrs Jobbins said: "It's really great to have him home, I stay with him every night and day while he's at the hospital."

In February Jaiden's parents Teri and Darren from Pontnewynydd told us how Jaiden was diagnosed with the life-threatening genetic condition when he was just three weeks old.

The disease has halved Jaiden's life expectancy and currently doctors say he could live to 37.

Mrs Jobbins has given up her job to be Jaiden's full-time carer and also looks after Jaiden's older brother Jamie, 5.

Now six months on the family are appealing to Torfaen residents for donations towards a state-of-the-art therapy system to help Jaiden cope with his cystic fibrosis.

Mrs Jobbins said: "As a mum I want to try everything possible to make life easier for him."

Mr Jobbins works at Abersychan company Maintenance Force as a multi-skilled engineer and so far has raised nearly £2,000 through Maintenance Force from the clients and suppliers.

But the family still need £3,495 to be able to afford the chest therapy vest and are appealing for donations.

Donations can be made by visiting www.maintenanceforce.co.uk/supporting-jaiden.asp