A FORMER soldier who is bringing up his family as a single father has set out an ambition to build a sensory garden for his disabled daughter.

Paul Hankin is a full-time carer for seven-year-old Madison, who cannot can't talk or walk.

Now friends of Paul, who lives in Harvey Avenue, Newton-le-Willows with Madison and her three-year-old sister Faye, is being backed by friends who are organising a charity night for the garden project.

Paul, 35, said: "Madison loves bright colours and different sounds. A sensory garden would be a perfect place for her to relax.

"She can't walk or talk. Her communication is like a baby - she smiles and laughs when she's happy and cries when she needs something.

"The garden is big and has been neglected. It needs digging over, levelling out and flagging.

"Then we need to buy the equipment, special lighting, musical instruments, and we'd decorate it with murals."

Madison, who attends Lansbury Bridge school in Parr, was diagnosed with optic nerve hypoplasia (ONH) in December 2007.

Paul said: "We knew something wasn't right. About two months after she was diagnosed with ONH, I got a call at work to say she had gone floppy. I rushed back, took her to hospital, where they said she was dehydrated.

"They found she had another condition - diabetes insipidus - where you produce a large amount of urine and often feel thirsty."

After an operation at Whiston Hospital, she spent around four months at Alder Hey.

She has since been diagnosed with global developmental delay and growth hormone deficiency.

Paul said: "I can't work because I have to look after Madison. It is very hard, but I used to be in the army so I have the right mentality.

"Her sister Faye is great with her - she's three going on 33!"

Family friend Lara Norton has organised a fundraiser at Greenalls Club, in Alder Hey Road, Eccleston, on November 14.

Lara said: "Anyone who can donate money or materials to help build the garden would be doing Paul and the girls a huge favour."

The fundraiser starts at 6.30pm and there will be children's entertainment, face painting, raffles, a DJ and band.

To donate money or materials can do so via the Facebook page facebook.com/pages/Madisons-special-sensory-garden