LITTLE Alissa Palmer proved that nothing will stand in the way of her support for Bath Cats and Dogs Home – especially not Asperger’s Syndrome – after hosting her latest fundraiser.

The 10-year-old, who lives with her family in Lakeside, also suffers from anxiety and Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (EDS), a disorder that affects the processing of collagen and the elasticity of her joints, muscles and ligaments.

The youngster struggles with school and ended up having lessons at home with her mum, Becky, for eight months, who used Alissa’s love of animals to coax her interest in learning.

She has now given herself a year to raise £2,000 to help the animals in the shelter, and on Saturday held a tombola and bric-a-brac sale from Highworth Podium to help raise the fund.

Becky, 33, said: “I’m extremely proud, what she has done is amazing.

“Her love of animals and desire to do something has meant she has done things she normally wouldn’t do and really struggles with, including writing letters and talking to people.

“She’s persevered with it even when she’s found it so difficult. She is a very kind person anyway and she is quite thoughtful, and not everyone is academic.

“As long as she’s happy and she’s enjoying what she is doing with her life, then that’s all I can ask for.”

On her Just Giving page, Alissa said: “Last year I really struggled at school and after it broke down, my mum home-schooled me for about eight months.

“During this time my mum helped me learn by relating my work to animals. I started writing animal poems, stories and projects.

“My pets really help me as when I am sad I can talk to them and spend time with them.

“I have just started my new school and they are also trying to help me learn. My teaching assistant is good at making my work interesting by using animals too.

“Last year I did a collection for Cats Protection.

“This year I wanted to try something bigger, so with help from my mum and her friend I have organised this fundraiser.

“I first of all applied to be a fundraiser, then made my fundraisers pack and have written some letters to ask for donations for my tombola and bric-a-brac stall.

“I have found this all very hard as writing and talking to others, explaining things and answering questions is very tricky for me.

“It may not seem a lot to others but it is a real milestone for me in being able to start doing these things and connecting to others, but I love the animals so much I want to try and do these things to help.”