The parents of a two-year-old girl who suffers from a rare form of cerebral palsy have raised nearly half the money they need to get her treated in the US.
Little Darcie Holmes suffered brain damage when she was born nine weeks prematurely weighing just 3lbs.
Her condition means she can only walk on tiptoes using a miniature Zimmer frame.
Her parents, Victoria and Martin, of Greater Manchester, need to raise £45,000 to take her to the USA for an operation to correct the problem.
They have been overwhelmed by the response which has seen almost half the amount raised in just 13 weeks.
Unfortunately, Darcie's condition is beginning to worsen.
The operation, which will give her full mobility in her legs, is now booked for April 25 2011 at the St Louis children's hospital in Missouri.
The family needs to raise a further £27,000 and have set up a website and are appealing for donations.
Mum Victoria said: 'It's going to change her life. She will be able to walk normally and participate in sports like other children.
'The operation has been performed on more than 2,000 children and has a 100 per cent success rate.'
Without the procedure, medical experts predict it is likely that she will have to use a wheelchair by the time she is seven.
To find out more or to make a donation, visit thedarcieholmeswalkingtohappinessfund.co.uk.
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