A MAKEOVER of a Rowley Regis garden is set to transform the life a blind youngster who can play out at home for the first time.

Eight-year-old Mia Bowden was not allowed to stray from the back door of her Charles Walk home because the garden was unlevel and unsafe for her.

But a five day makeover, spearheaded by Pete Jackson of Love2Give, has turned the garden into a play haven for the youngster who was born with the rare condition septo-optic dysplasia.

Thrilled mum Katie Bowden said: “It’s just out of this world, really, really good.

“It’s going to make Mia so happy and she’s looking forward to playing out in the garden and having more freedom.”

Mr Jackson organised a charity five-a-side football match at Goals in Rowley Regis to raise £2,400 to pay for fencing, decking, materials, landscaping, a swing and a playhouse.

Two professional landscapers were hired to do the skilled work and teams of volunteers, including other families benefitting from the charity, have rolled up their sleeves to help.

Mr Jackson said: “It’s been fantastic. We’ve had a great response to appeals for help and support through our Facebook page and the garden looks just amazing.

“We’ve even had offers of donations from people in Holland, Portugal and Australia.”

He added special thanks to main sponsors James Lane of Homeserve Furniture Repair and Rob Spears, of Security firm Spears Worldwide, both based in Brierley Hill, and Oldbury firm Arcelor Mittal.

Mrs Bowden said: “Every single one of the volunteers and supporters has put such effort into it, whether in the fundraising, playing the football or helping here.

“And on Bank Holiday Monday they worked and worked through all that rain – it means such a lot. We just need some sunshine now.”

Mia’s condition causes her to have a variety of other difficulties including hormone deficiencies, low blood sugar levels and migraines.