A GWENT teenager is facing weeks away from her family hundreds of miles from home while she undergoes treatment for a rare life-limiting condition.

Taisha Taylor, 15, from Pantside, Newbridge, has Chronic Granulomatous Disease (CGD), which causes the immune system to malfunction, resulting in a form of immunodeficiency.

It means Tasisha's body can struggle to protect itself from illness.

To help, she is travelling to Newcastle next month for a procedure, after which she will receive low-level chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant.

But her family must find more than £5,000 to cover accommodation to stay with her, or she will have to undergo the ordeal alone.

She will need to remain away from home for 16 weeks.

Blackwood Little Theatre (BLT), where Taisha attends a youth theatre group, has already pledged its support to the family - it will hold a fundraising concert at the venue on April 6.

South Wales Argus:

Raffle tickets are also on sale, with the draw to take place at the concert.

Businesses, including Bryn Meadows, Gaffacinos and Spirit Hair Team are donating prizes and selling tickets.

Taisha’s mother, Nicola Taylor, said: “We have been totally overwhelmed from the support given by BLT. The response and generosity people have shown is incredible.

“Taisha’s condition and treatment has been unknown to so many, including friends and the offering of help, support and wishes from people is something on another level, something that we had never imagined or would have believed.

“We cannot thank everyone enough for everything. Taisha will be away from the theatre for a long time, but she will be getting strong and healthy, ready to return to BLT, back to her friends and theatre family.”

(Video: Blackwood Little Theatre)

BLT have also set up a Go Fund Me page for ‘Taisha’s journey.’

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BLT chairman Neil Maidma  said: “Taisha is a lovely and unassuming young lady, who loves her time at rehearsals and performing in our shows.

“When we heard about the challenges she was facing and that the charity that was funding her family accommodation had to withdraw support, we knew we had to help.

"BLT faces its own challenges, in maintaining and repairing its building, but there are some things that are more important to support. Our recent audiences, members and patrons have been brilliant in making donations and local businesses have got behind our campaign and have been so generous."

South Wales Argus:

Tickets for BLT’s Charity concert ‘Time to Shine’ which is from 7pm on April 6 are on sale. They are £5 and available online at blackwoodlt.org.uk/tickets or by calling 01495 366196.

You can donate at gofundme.com/taisha039s-journey