A community is rallying to fund comforts and pleasures for a seriously-ill north Norfolk baby whose life could end at any time.

Little Lauren Taylor has the rare chromosome disorder Patau's Syndrome and is blind, partially deaf, needs extra oxygen to breathe, is tube fed, has kidney problems, extra toes and fingers, and a hole in the heart.

Her parents Emma, 31, and Glen, 42, have been told that 95pc of Patau babies die within six months and they are not aware of any other child in the UK with the syndrome. But Lauren has defied the odds and celebrated her first birthday in July.

Tonight well-wishers in the Taylors' home town of Sheringham will continue their fund-raising drive to make life as rich as possible for Lauren, who is adored by her parents, brothers Harrison 14, and Thomas, four, and sister Caitlin, five.

“I just want to cuddle her forever - she's so gorgeous, and I never know whether this will be the last time,” said Mrs Taylor.

Lauren was rushed to hospital with breathing difficulties after her home birth. When her parents followed they were shown into a side room and given a photograph of their baby in which Mrs Taylor spotted that her daughter had six fingers. A consultant told them he suspected Patau's and advised them to make the most of the coming weekend with their baby.

But “cheeky” Lauren, who tries to suck her breathing tube, smiles, loves bath-time, ice-cream, and Caitlin's singing, has battled through.

“At first your feet are taken from underneath you and the world, with all your future plans, turns upside down, said Mrs Taylor.”

But after a brief stay in the children's hospice at Quidenham, where they are regular visitors, the family went home to make the most of whatever time Lauren had with them - and headed straight for the beach.

The Taylors have also packed in a zoo trip, Devon holiday, “the best first-birthday party ever”, and a triple christening for Lauren, Caitlin and Thomas. The trio recently took part in Sheringham Carnival where Lauren wore green, with Shrek ears.

Cromer police officer Mr Taylor and his wife are constantly aware of Lauren's vulnerability. In one recent week she stopped breathing five times and needed mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. The Taylors have decided Lauren should only be given basic first aid in such circumstances.

“We feel she deserves basic life support, to give her a fighting chance,” said Mr Taylor. You would do anything to help your child and in Lauren's case that means finding the strength to know when enough is enough. We can't keep her here for our own selfish reasons when it's her time to go.”

* Live music, an auction and a raffle at the town's Tyneside Club tonight, September 3, at 8pm will raise funds to be added to over £800 already collected from a sponsored dog walk towards practical and sensory items for Lauren.

Supporters hope to buy a £400-plus pushchair, fibre-optic lights costing about £750, and a bubble tube which can range from £1,000 to £20,000.

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