ALL too often these days, we hear the depressing refrain that Britain is broken because, in our selfish 21st Century society, people no longer care about helping their fellow man.

However, the story of Holmer Green Senior School pupil Chloe Jackson will hopefully put an end to that myth, in Bucks at least. Chloe, 16, a keen dancer, has been struck down by a condition called Complex Regional Pain Syndrome following a slipped disc in her back.

This has resulted in severe pains, tiredness and hair loss – a nightmare for any active teenager. But Chloe, to her enormous credit, came out fighting, and has been trying to raise awareness about her condition by holding events around Wycombe. She should be saluted for her courage and resourcefulness.

However, the most remarkable aspect of this tale is how the community has rallied around to help.

This week, Chloe’s mum, Alison, paid tribute to the kindness shown by so many supporters which has given her daughter a major confidence boost. People have flocked to her events, set up their own fundraisers and given their time to help. One hairdresser has given her a permanent wig, a community centre has allowed her to run events for free, her school has held mufti days and an amateur theatre group has donated £400.

Chloe’s mum sums up the situation perfectly when she says: “It just shows people do pull together and get behind someone who really needs them, which is so heart-warming.”

Broken Britain? No, we don’t think so.