A TRURO woman has set up a GoFundMe page to help pay the medical costs of her pet duck who helped her get through her grief after her mother died.

Lucinda Burton, from Truro, set up the fundraiser after her duck, Charlie Feathers, lost the ability to walk.

Charlie was initially diagnosed with arthritis but has now lost the ability to walk and Lucinda is hoping to arrange a CT scan for him to find out what's wrong. 

Lucinda told The Packet: "Originally, the vet diagnosed him with arthritis because he was walking with a limp, and he's now gone off his legs, he can't walk at all.

Falmouth Packet: Charlie was initially diagnosed with arthritisCharlie was initially diagnosed with arthritis (Image: Lucinda Burton)

"We tried him on antibiotics as we'd hoped that it was a kidney infection as if his kidneys swell they can press up against a nerve."

Unfortunately, the antibiotics didn't work and Lucinda is now waiting on Charlie's blood test results.

Lucinda continued: "Ultimately, the only way we're going to be able to see what's going on is through a CT scan, and that's £1,500."

Lucinda also explained to The Packet how Charlie has a special place in her heart due to the fact that he helped her through a very difficult time in her life.

"I lost my mum to breast cancer when I was 19, and since then I've suffered with terrible grief and depression.

"He was given to me two days after the anniversary of her death, he was carried over in a bucket and the man didn't really know what he was going to do with him.

"He asked if I would like him and I said yes, and since then he's just been my entire world.

"He's been my focus and given me something to distract my mind. He's just everything.

"I hate that I'm unable to make him better, and help him the way he's helped me."

Falmouth Packet: Lucinda has looked after Charlie since he was a day oldLucinda has looked after Charlie since he was a day old (Image: Lucinda Burton)

Charlie is currently seven years old and Lucinda has cared for him since he was a day old.

Currently, the fundraiser for Charlie has raised £288 to put towards his medical costs and Lucinda expressed her thanks to all those who have already donated.

"I'm just immensley grateful and thankful. There's nothing I can do to pay them back for what they've done, for their kindness. It means the world to me to have them help me.

"I'm so thankful for them."

If you'd like to donate to Charlie Feather's GoFundMe, you can do so by visiting: www.gofundme.com/f/ct-scan-for-charlie-feathers