THE parents of a young girl with breathing difficulties have praised the support and generosity of people in their community. Residents living in and around Looe clubbed together to help raise more than £22,000 to treat 15-month-old Ellie Libby after the youngster developed breathing problems. The Ellie Libby Endoscope Fund was set up to provide new equipment for Derriford Hospital that would be able to treat younger patients like Ellie. The equipment is now in place. Julie and Nigel Libby, with baby Ellie and co- fundraiser Barbara Reynolds, have presented the final cheque for £15,490 to Steve Toynton, consultant in Derriford Hospital Ear, Nose and Throat Department. 'Without the overwhelming support of our community we would never have reached our goal,' said Julie. 'My thanks go out to everyone who donated and took part in the fundraising events. 'I am very proud to live in a town with such community spirit.' Nigel added: 'We want to thank everyone who took part in the fundraising last year. 'In addition to the £15,490 raised for the endoscope, we were able to donate £6,000 to buy two electronic cot beds for the children's Woodcock ward and a syringe driver and infusion pump for administering drugs in the high dependency unit. '£1,100 was also donated to the Community Nursing Team which provides specialist care and medical equipment for children at home like Ellie.' Both Julie and Nigel thanked Mr Toynton for all the special care he gave to Ellie. Mr Toynton, who specialises in upper airway breathing problems in babies and young children, said: 'With the aid of their friends and family Ellie's mother and father have pulled off a remarkable feat of fundraising for which the Ear, Nose and Throat and paediatric departments at Derriford Hospital are extremely grateful.' The new equipment enables diagnosis with minimum discomfort for the patient, enabling the hospital to stay at the forefront of this type of work. A brass plaque commemorating the effort has been fixed to the side of the equipment with the inscription: 'Donated by the Ellie Libby Endoscope Fund with help from family, friends and people who care.'