A HAMPSHIRE couple are encouraging others to support a new charity fund that could help buy a specialist wheelchair for their disabled daughter.

Lukasz and Malgorzata Bichler are struggling to save the £3,292 needed for five-year-old Zofia’s new chair.

She has spastic diplegic cerebral palsy after being born 14 weeks’ premature.

They said at the moment she is unable to use her walker when at St Peter’s Catholic Primary School because it is too big and a trip hazard for other children.

Lukas, 30, a lorry driver, said: “Zofia goes to a mainstream school and she loves it. She is a very bright girl and she is doing fine, but a lightweight wheelchair would let her be more independent.

“She needs the wheelchair for day-to-day use and long distances. At the moment we just have a normal buggy and we push her around everywhere.

“She wants to be able to play with the other children. It will make a big difference to us as a family.”

Two years ago Zofia underwent open-spinal surgery in America to reduce stiffness in her legs and since has been able to walk more independently.

Malgorzata said they are trying to find the money, but with paying for physiotherapy and other activities it isn’t possible.

The family, of Water Lane, in Winchester, have turned to the Newlife Foundation which has recently set up a Hampshire specific fund, and is working with 17 families to provide specialist equipment for children with disabilities and terminal illnesses.

Fundraising has started.

To find out more go online at newlifecharity.co.uk/hampshire.