THE FAMILY of a seven-year-old from Hampshire are fundraising in a bid to see her dream of walking come true.

Keeley Cullen is battling a severe condition caused by a brain injury which means she has to use a walking frame or wheelchair to get around.

The youngster from Marchwood has spastic diplegic cerebral palsy but she is desperate to take her first steps without help.

Now Keeley’s family are trying to raise enough money to see her have an operation at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

The operation will involving cutting her spinal column to release her stiff legs and give her permanent flat feet which would help her sit, stand and build enough strength in her legs to walk again.

Daily Echo:

Despite her disability Keeley, pictured above, is a determined child with three special wishes, she said: “First I want to walk and then I want to play in the park with my friends. One day I want to be a cheerleader like mummy.”

Keeley’s mum Zara has competed as a cheerleader across Hampshire and has been the senior head cheerleader for the Southern Sirens.

She said: “Keeley has got to the age where she can see what she’s missing by not being able to walk and run like her friends.

"We found out about the operation and found it has a 100 per cent success rate; the surgeons expect Keeley will eventually be able to walk after the operation and a course of specialist physiotherapy.

“This would dramatically improve her standard of living and enable her to follow her dreams. Unfortunately this operation is not currently available on the NHS so we are working with the national charity, Caudwell Children, to help raise the money we need.”

The total cost of the operation and two years of rehabilitation is £50,000 and the charity is calling for help from people in Hampshire to help Keeley’s wishes come true.

Ben Sutcliffe from Caudwell Children added: “We have supported more than 30 children and families from across the UK to have this operation and seen the dramatic impact it can have on their lives.

"As well as improving their mobility, the reduced pain means they can concentrate more which aids speech, learning and builds self-confidence. We urge local people to get behind the appeal and help Keeley’s wishes come true.”

Anyone who would like to help the Keeley’s Wishes Appeal can contact Caudwell Children on 01782 600114 or visit the Keeleys Wish Facebook page.

Donate online at www.justgiving.com/keeleyswishes.