Kate Winslet has donated £17,000 to a mother facing a sky-high energy bill to operate her daughter's life support.

Carolynne Hunter was warned by Clackmannanshire Council that her bill could hit the high sum next year.

Her daughter Freya, 12, has severe cerebral palsy and relies on receiving oxygen for chronic breathing problems.

Ms Hunter said she was overwhelmed when the Titanic actress intervened upon hearing their struggle reported on BBC Scotland.

Winslet donated £17,000 to the family's crowdfunding page and contacted Ms Hunter to wish them well.

Ms Hunter, 49, said: "Our journey as family has been very traumatic and I just feel done at this point in my life.

"When I heard about the money I just burst into tears - I thought it wasn't even real. I'm still thinking is this real?"

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The Hunters live in a large council house in Tillicoultry - which is not energy efficient - so there is space for Freya's equipment.

At present it costs them £6,500 a year to run the kit and heat the home - though Ms Hunter said she had turned the heating off in most rooms to save money.

Although she works full time in the third sector on a moderate wage, she does not receive the same support as those on low incomes.

Ms Hunter also worries that possible winter power cuts in the event of reduced gas supply - a result of Russia's war on Ukraine - could put Freya's care at risk.

• 'What about everyone else?'

Before Winslet's donation, Ms Hunter said her biggest worry was facing fuel poverty amid the UK's economic turmoil.

Although the money could improve their situation, the ongoing cost of living crisis is still a concern.

A forecast by Cornwall Insight last month suggested the energy price cap could rise by 73% for average consumers - although the prediction could be significantly affected by changing wholesale prices.

And media discussion of the government's tax and spending options ahead of the Autumn Statement has been dominated by talk of a "black hole" in the public finances.

Ms Hunter said she would like to see Scottish and UK governments stepping in to support families with care responsibilities who may end up struggling.

She added: "I didn't speak out to get donations but at the same time I have to make sure that Freya is OK.

"I'm going to be helped but what about everyone else? I wanted the government to pay for it and do the right thing - it shouldn't have to be a celebrity that steps in."