When Julian and Carly Innell came home and read the Echo on Wednesday, they looked at each other and knew.

They had to help the young girl on the front page.

As they read about the tragic series of events that had befallen 14-year-old Rebecca Ling - from surgery to quadriplegia in less than 24 hours - it struck them to the core.

The Innells experienced a similar, immediate, crushing change to their own lives many years before, when Julian's mum, Judy, had a skiing accident and was paralysed from the waist down.

The couple, who own Ballards Gore Golf Club, in Canewdon, decided there could be no half- measures. They would simply donate all the money required, if they had to.

Carly, 31, said: "It struck a chord with us. We read it, looked at each other and Julian said let's just do it'.

"It's really hard not to have help, but the Lings are not going to struggle now. To get Rebecca home for Christmas will be fantastic."

Carly's mother-in-law lived in a residential care home for eight years. Then Carly took over as her full-time carer.

Carly, of Woodlands Park, Leigh, said: "When she lived in the home, the phone was her lifeline and she was always in her room, listening to music, or taking a nap.

"That's why the phone is important for Rebecca, too."

But although she had lost the use of her lower body, mother-in-law Judy's spirit never deserted her.

While Carly was in hospital, giving birth to her son, Jordan, now eight, she was shocked to see Judy wheeling herself into the ward.

Carly said: "She got herself into a cab and was dressed in my favourite suit, which I always wanted her to wear but she always refused.

"She told me, If I could have, I would've flown to be here'."

The gesture meant the world to Carly, because of the extra effort it took for Judy to be there.

Everything she did was hard, because of her disability.

Carly said: "Everything was an effort for her - even putting on make-up.

"Something simple which you wouldn't even think about - like coughing - took a lot of effort because Julian's mum had to use her stomach muscles to cough.

"It's not until something like that happens you realise how much we take the little things for granted."

Sadly, Judy died of respiratory failure, in Julian's arms five years ago, at the age of 62.

The Innells' understanding of paralysis and their empathy, as parents of Jordan and six-year-old Alisha, helped the Ling family accept their generous offer of help.

Rebecca's mother, Julie Ling, of Runwell Road, Wickford, said: "Carly is a mum. She's someone who has been through it and seen what is needed to care for someone with paralysis.

"It's given Rebecca a huge boost to know that she'll be going home soon. I've been trying to help her picture her new room.

"She's totally overwhelmed with everything that has happened. She can't even begin to think about what her home is like, let alone her room.

"It's for the rest of her life, not just for now."