Matilda Callaghan was born with a birthmark which covers most of her face -and down the side of her body – that means she will require regular laser treatments until she is 16 for it to fade.

The brave little girl has a condition called Sturge Weber Syndrome – a rare neurological and skin disorder which causes learning difficulties, paralysis and seizure. Matilda, now four, was also born with two holes in her heart that required life-saving surgery when she was a baby.

But her parents, Paul and Rebecca, from Leigh in Wigan, have refused to do anything less than provide the best possible life for their disabled daughter, including investing in an innovative new home lift. The lift – manufactured and installed by Stiltz Lifts – is unlike a traditional lift and is a completely self-supporting structure that travels on dual rails that are bolted into the floor of the home.

With no hydraulics required, the lift is instead powered by an electric motor system that is situated – out of sight – on top of the lift and plugs straight into the wall using a normal 13 amp power socket. Such is the uniqueness of the lift, it can be fitted virtually anywhere in a home.

The Callaghans had the lift installed in their kitchen and made it the main focal point of the room with it travelling up to a newly built upstairs extension that comprised of Matilda’s bedroom and wet room. To make the lift even more avant-garde, the Callaghans requested that Stiltz Lifts make the lift finished in black with brushed steel fittings another addition.

The couple are delighted with the end result and say it has made a ‘massive difference’ to Matilda’s life. Mr Callaghan, 47, said: “I searched on the internet to see if there was any disabled lifts or two person lifts on the market that I liked and the Stiltz Lift was the only one I found that didn’t look like a disabled lift but still did the job of one.

“My daughter has multiple disabilities but we didn’t want a lift that highlighted that – we wanted a lift that she felt was something that was used by everyone and shied away from the prejudice towards people with disabilities.

“Other disabled lifts on the market tend to be built using very clear plastic which are unattractive. They also take up a lot of space. The lift has made a massive difference to our lives and has made it easier for Matilda.

“If people do a search for ‘Matilda Callagan’ in Google they can find out all about her from stories in the local and national press and YouTube videos as it is important for us to raise awareness about Sturge Weber Syndrome. She is our little miracle and we want the best for our daughter and also to make life as comfortable as possible for her.”