A woman who says her pet duck "saved her life" is raising money for his vital medical bills - as he now struggles to walk, writes Athena Stavrou.

Lucinda Burton, 35, has raised her duck Charlie Feathers since the day he hatched in July 2016 and has relied on him for emotional support.

Lucinda Burton. See SWNS story SWLNduck. A woman who's pet duck who "saved her life" is raising money for his vital medical bills. Lucinda Burton, 35, has raised her duck Charlie Feathers since the day he hatched in July 2016.After losing her mum, Sharon, at 19-years-old to breast cancer, Lucinda struggled with intense grief and depression.She says Charlie Feathers arrival almost ten years later "gave her a purpose" and most definitely "saved her life".
Lucinda Burton (Lucinda Burton / SWNS)

After losing her mother, Sharon, at 19-years-old to breast cancer, Lucinda struggled with intense grief and depression.

She says Charlie Feathers arrival almost ten years later "gave her a purpose" and most definitely "saved her life".

Lucinda and her mum, Sharon.
Lucinda and her mum, Sharon. ( )

Lucinda, from Truro, said: "I started looking after Charlie on the day he was born. I went to the local food store and the owner had a baby duckling and a baby chick. The duckling egg had gotten mixed up and he asked if I wanted him.

"After that, I had a reason to get up and feed him and make sure he's okay. He slept in my bed with me and I carried him in my pocket when went out.

"He's absolutely my best friend. He follows me around and doesn't let anyone else pick him up.

"He's definitely saved my life. He's given me a purpose to get up in the morning and I don't know what I'd do without him."

However, Charlie, seven, is now struggling to walk and Lucinda is hoping to raise £1,500 to pay for a CT scan for to find out what’s wrong.

Initially Lucinda was told he may have arthritis and was given anti-inflammatories but his hobble got worse.

The vets then suggested Charlie may have a kidney infection - but antibiotics again failed to improve his condition.

Now, Lucinda's only option is to arrange a £1,500 CT scan to see what's wrong with Charlie.

She said: "The vet said an x-ray won't show when he needs to see so a CT scan is the only option.

"It costs £1,500. There's no way I can afford that on my own. I got more of Charlie's blood tests back on Friday afternoon and the vet still isn't sure what's wrong.

"I don't even want to think about him passing away. I don't know what I would do.

"He's so special and lovely. He's such a good duck and everyone loves him.

"I'm so grateful for everyone who's donated to the GoFundMe so far. I want to be able to save his life the way he's saved mine."

To donate to Lucinda's fundraiser click here.