Help my daughter walk: Wolverhampton father in charity appeal
The father of a little Wolverhampton girl suffering from a debilitating condition is urging people to help raise cash to help his daughter walk.
Jessie-Leigh Smith, aged four, from Low Hill, was born with cerebral palsy.
Her parents were speaking to doctors about organising a selective dorsal rhizotomy for her, which could potentially help her walk, and also make her more comfortable.
But in February 2014, the NHS stopped funding the operation, saying it couldn't be proved that it was cost or clinically effective.
Now her parents are having to go private and find between £16,000 and £27,000, depending on the hospital, for the operation, with more hefty physiotherapy and rehabilitation costs piled up on top after surgery is complete.
Jessie-Leigh's father Christopher, who is her full-time carer, is leading the fundraising charge, and is appealing for help in any way people can.
He said: "She was born with cerebral palsy and she's got hardly any movement in her legs.
"She's been referred to Liverpool's Alder Hey hospital and we've got a couple of appointments coming up soon so we're hoping to find out whether she could have the operation soon.
"If we can get it done for her there it will be £16,000.
"There are only five hospital trusts in the country that do the operation, and some charge up to £27,000 so it's a bit of a lottery. Even if the operation doesn't help her walk, it will make her a lot more comfortable, so we really want to do everything we can to help her get it.
"We've been doing lots already and family and friends have got load of events planned.
"St Stephen's Primary School in Heath Town have already raised £700 from a non-uniform day, and Coppice Performing Arts Academy have raised £600 for her as well.
"We had a fishing event at Millride in Essington and we're doing a sponsored cycle to Snowdon and then a climb in August. My wife's organised a sponsored walk from Wolverhampton to Himley Hall as well.
"I'm not sure how much we've raised so far, it's a running total.
"We're just doing as much as we can for when the time comes.
"The support we've had has been great so far."
To support Jessie-Leigh's cause, you can donate at www.gofundme.com/24pn7ss
