MORE than 200 people have sent messages of hope to baby Rhianna Hardie. Rhianna, who was horrifically scalded by boiling water, had a "tough weekend", according to her grandmother, but is still battling on. Kathleen McKenzie has pleaded with people to continue their support. She said: "Please light a candle and continue positive thoughts and prayers for Rhianna - she has had a tough weekend and needs our love and support now more than ever. "Thank you all again for your continuing support on behalf of all the family." Mrs McKenzie says she will update visitors to the Somerset County Gazette website on Rhianna's condition every couple of days. Rhianna, now 11 months, of Wellington Road, Taunton, was covered in boiling hot water from a burst tank in the loft over her cot in the early hours of Sunday, November 19. Meanwhile, a mystery benefactor has agreed to cover travel, food and accommodation expenses for Rhianna's parents. She has been showing signs of improvement - her heart rate, blood pressure and temperature have all normalised, although she is still on a ventilator. She received 95% burns after she was scalded by boiling water when a tank in the loft above her cot burst.

She has undergone successful skin grafts and is currently at Frenchay Hospital, Bristol. She has tried to wake up a couple of times, but doctors - who say the main risk she faces is of infection - are keeping her heavily sedated.

A member of the family said: "We would like to thank everyone for their kind messages over the last couple of weeks - and for the anonymous donor who has helped make things easier for Rhianna's mother and father."

Let's really show Rhianna and her family how much we care.

Ken Bird, Editor-in-Chief at the County Gazette, said: "Rhianna has touched all of our hearts and we really feel for her and her family in their dark moment.

"I trust that the sheer volume of people adding their love and prayers will prove a great comfort to the family.

"Please keep sending in your messages - they are all read and much appreciated."

Rhianna's grandmother, Kathleen McKenzie said: "The main thing is she's still here - she's a real little fighter and that has got to bode well for the next few weeks."

Referring to the accident, she said: "The ceiling fell down on her cot and she was covered in water which was hotter than a kettle. She was boiled alive.

"The next four weeks are absolutely critical, but we've been told she could die at any time in the next six months.

"She's such a little fighter."

Police and the Health and Safety Executive have launched an investigation.

To leave your message, and to read those left by other wellwishers, click here and then click on 'Comment' For more on Rhianna's story, see this week's Somerset County Gazette - with all your messages of hope published today (Thusday).