A community news reporter has helped a terminally ill four-year-old by arranging a special day out for her and her family.

Blackpool Gazette journalist Lucinda Herbert organised the trip to Blackpool Zoo for Mabel Parry, her mum and dad Cheryl Parry and Chris Gregson, and her 11-year-old sister Maisie, after finding out about a fundraising campaign for the child.

The campaign was launched this summer after Mabel was diagnosed with a very rare neurodegenerative disorder called Batten Disease, which causes seizures, blindness, speech delays, and eventually childhood dementia.

Lucinda, pictured, arranged the day after persuading her contacts at the zoo to let the family in for free.

She said: “They are trying to create these nice memories for her, and her sister as well, so they have nice memories together.

“I have a contact at the zoo so I contacted them and told them her situation and they said they would love to organise a day out and give her a special visit to meet the animals up close and personal.

“It sometimes feels like journalists just get a bad name and rep online for click-bait, or for being a nuisance, but I feel like I have been able to make a positive impact with the story and that is why I wanted to be a journalist and I wanted the job.”

Previously a graphic designer, Lucinda was initially hired in September 2021 as an apprentice working towards her NCTJ Diploma in Journalism.

She then became a Meta-funded community news reporter in March this year, and is looking forward to completing the NCTJ’s National Qualification in Journalism.

Gazette editor Vanessa Sims said: “You cannot help but be touched by Little Mabel’s story.

“When Lucinda heard about her story she made it her mission to do something for the family. Utilising her contacts to help Mabel’s family make memories is a small but supportive gesture.

“Lucinda has embedded herself in the Blackpool community and her passion to use her position to promote and help that community is admirable.”