Evie ready for next step in her treatment

When the six year old returns for her follow up surgery this month she is hoping to 'wow' her specialist with the progress she has made.

For Evie can now, with the help of a frame, walk proudly on her flat feet and is learning how to use special sticks.

The youngster, who has cerebral palsy, has seen her life transformed, not only by the surgery of 15 months ago, but also the hard work and determination that both she and her family have put in since with tough physiotherapy.

In February last year Evie had Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy surgery - a life-changing operation that isn't funded by the NHS, to give her more movement in her legs.

Her family and friends raised £50,000 to send the youngster for the operation and for ongoing physiotherapy, including weeks spent at a specialist centre in Scotland, through an appeal called through the Evie's Dream.

Evie's mum, Donna Harrington , said the difference it has made to her young daughter's life has been remarkable.

"Before the operation Evie could walk, perhaps, 10 steps with a frame and had to have bands on her ankles."

"Instead she would roll or crawl to get around. She had to use a wheelchair 98 per cent of the time and had to use a hoist at school.

Now Evie is much stronger and can transfer herself from her wheelchair to her chair in the classroom at Pennant Primary School, near to the family's home at Llangynog in Mid Wales.

"She also walks quite far on her frame and with lovely straight legs and flat feet. And the next stage is moving on to special tripod sticks that Evie is learning to master at the moment."

Mrs Harrington said the physiotherapy was tough for Evie, with two hours every day on top of a weekly session and trip to a specialist centre in Scotland whenever possible.

"It is tough on Evie's brothers and sisters too because I have to spend so much time with her," her mum said.

The cost of all the treatment is growing and the Evie's Dream fund is now struggling to meet that cost.

A fundraising 'mud run' with competitors facing a tough assault course is in the planning and the family is also appealing to anyone with ideas for raising more money to get in touch.

"One person has suggested a night in for Evie idea where people get together at home rather than go out and give the money they would have spent to the fund," she said.

Anyone who can help can contact Mrs Harrington through the Evie's Dream Facebook page or through the just giving site: http://www.justgiving.com/EviesDream.