AN autistic Chippenham woman will not lose her treasured horse that has been a lifeline for her after her appeal to raise £2,000 to keep the 14-year-old mare was achieved.

Lillith Campbell's world looked set to be turned upside down as her beloved horse Meg, who helped transform her life as she was not able to leave the house or speak to people due to her condition, was going to be sold on May 23.

However in a matter of weeks, the 25-year-old's just giving page has reached the £2,000 fundraising target, meaning she can purchase Meg for good and can continue to see her every day at Trow Lane Farm in Lyneham - a place she volunteers at.

"I am almost lost for words. I cannot thank the people who donated to make this possible enough, I am so touched," she said.

"To raise this amount of money in such a short period of time is brilliant. I am pretty overwhelmed by everyone's generosity.

"Meg is my lifeline and has been for a year now. I dare not think what it would have been like to lose her, it would have been worse than before for sure. Having Meg with me has been one of the best things that has ever happened to me."

Ms Campbell is also raising money for autism charity, the Horse Boy Foundation, which exists to bring the healing effects of horses and nature to autism families.

"The Horse Boy Foundation really are a great addition to the wonderful world of charities," she said.

To donate visit gofundme.com/megandlily