MUM Gail Healey has thanked the hundreds of Northwich Guardian readers who helped her win a place in the final of a garden makeover competition.

Gail’s 10-year-old son Dillon has a muscle-wasting condition which makes it difficult for him to use the steps to the garden at his home in Barnton.

Gail is hoping to install a ramp down to the garden if she wins a competition run by MyBuilder.com.

The winner will receive the services of a MyBuilder garden and £1,000 worth of materials to transform their garden.

Gail was one of 270 people who entered the A Grand For your Garden contest, with the public voting for their favourite entry to go through to a shortlist of 12.

Until the last day of voting, yesterday, Gail was one place outside the top 12, but votes flooded in on the day to see her entry rocket six places in a few hours to end in seventh spot .

Hundreds of the votes for Gail and her family came via social media, and MyBuilder is now reviewing the shortlist and will be announcing the winner shortly.

Votes flooded in for Gail’s entry after she contacted all her friends on Facebook and her story featured in the Northwich Guardian and on our website and Facebook page.

“I was at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital yesterday as Dillon is undergoing a clinical trial for a new drug for his condition,” said Gail.

“Yesterday morning we were in 13th place, and had been in 14th and 15th, so we weren’t sure if we would make the shortlist.

“However from the afternoon our votes starting going up, and it was exciting to watch.

“I contacted all my friends on Facebook, and they shared it, and I would like to thank everyone who voted for us, family and friends and Guardian readers. We are just waiting now to hear who has won.”

Dillon has Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a progressive muscle-wasting condition with no cure.

He attends Hebden Green School, loves being outside, but needs a ramp to use the back garden as he struggles to use the steps to the garden. The family has had a downstairs bedroom/wet room built for Dillon.

“Dillon struggles to use the steps, and the garden is not very accessible for anyone,” said Gail.

“Dillon would love to play in the garden again with his two sisters, Ella and Matilda.”