Family of girl with cerebral palsy fundraise for life-changing operation

The family of a girl from Bedworth in Warwickshire, who suffers from cerebral palsy, have told ITV News Central they will try to fund surgery which could help her walk, after being turned down by the NHS.

Sophie Sharman, 11, was diagnosed with the condition in her arms and legs when she was just eight weeks old.

Her mum, Natalie Rider, 33, said her daughter needs full-time care.

Sophie had been due to undergo a potentially life-changing operation called Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy at the Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham.

The surgery helps to loosen patients' muscles allowing them to move easier and without pain. Some have gone on to walk independently.

But the NHS has now withdrawn funding of the operation due to budget cuts.

In a statement, Nottingham University Hospitals Trust said Sophie is one of 30 children hoping to have the surgery on the NHS but are now having to explore other funding options.

Sophie's family are now looking to raise between £10,000 and £12,000 needed to pay for the operation.

Natalie, Sophie's mum, said the whole family are devastated the NHS will no longer fund the surgery but they will not give up.

They have launched an appeal on social media, asking for donations. Next month, they are holding a charity auction to raise funds.