A delighted teenager has thanked a charity which donated £2,000 towards her new wheelchair after seeing an appeal in the Times.

Sophie Clayton, 16, suffers from chronic fatigue syndrome and has also been diagnosed with autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), verbal ticks, developmental delay, hypermobility, double scoliosis and sensory issues.

Sophie, who was forced to give up gymnastics because of her medical conditions, appealed to readers of the Times to help buy a new wheelchair.

The story was picked up by CSS Charitable Trust, a Braintree-based charity supporting worthy causes, which offered to make up the difference of £2,000.

Sophie said: “I was shocked. I knew I would get there but didn’t know it would be so quick.

“I will be able to push myself better, be able to get it from the car by myself as it’s so light.

“My old one is so heavy we can’t go to places for very long as it’s hard to push.

“We are really grateful for their kind donation which will give me more opportunities and independence. I would also like to thank everyone who donated and shared my Just Giving page.”

Sophie had managed to raise £400 through online donations when the charity got in touch.

She has now been measured for her new lightweight wheelchair, which will be delivered in a few weeks.

Liam Gleeson, chair of trustees, said: “When we read the story about Sophie that summed up what we are about.

“I set the charity up with my wife, Collette Gleeson, in 2013 as shareholders of CSS Recruitment and Training.

“The aim is to help worthy causes in the Braintree district.”