A CAMPAIGN has been launched to help a little girl’s dream to run and play with her friends come true.

Darcey Stride has cerebral palsy which means she cannot get around without the help of sticks or a walking frame.

This makes it hard for her to keep up with her friends when they are in the park or on the beach.

The six-year-old’s condition affects her muscles and as she grows her mobility will get worse.

Darcey’s parents Chantal and Ben have set up a £50,000 appeal to pay for an operation which could transform her life.

The surgery, called selective dorsal rhinopathy (SDR), will reduce the tightness of the muscles in her legs and make it easier for her to move around.

The youngster from Shoreham Beach has been placed on the waiting list for the operation at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

However the surgery is not currently available on the NHS so the money has to be found to pay for it.

Mrs Stride, 40, who works for Brighton and Hove City Council, said: “The operation could make such a difference for her.

“She has told us she wants to be able to play with her friends. She is a very determined little girl and although she is a bit nervous about having an operation she really wants to do it.

“She has such a lovely personality and wants to please people. She also enjoys dancing and doing drama.

“Like other girls she likes princesses and the film Frozen and has a lot of friends she has known a long time.

“She can get around but she can’t stand unaided and can get tired quickly. Her speech has also been affected.

“However she is doing really well at school and has a lot of friends.

“We are determined to do everything we can to raise the money she needs for the operation.”

Time is of the essence as doctors say the ages of six or seven are the best time to have the surgery and Darcey’s family are hoping to raise the money as quickly as possible.

The Argus: Darcy Stride with her family.  Picture: Adam Hollingworth Photography

The operation will be followed by months of intensive therapy but Mrs Stride said Darcey was prepared.

She said: “She knows what it will involve and she is ready. She just wants to have that chance. It means so much to us all.”

Darcey goes to St Peter’s School in Shoreham and also has a younger sister Cornelia, almost four.

A series of fundraising events are already in the pipeline including a sponsored walk from Brighton to Worthing, a 5km run and a summer raffle at Bench Fit gym in Shoreham.

Mrs Stride has also signed up to do a half marathon.

To make a donation, visit www.gofundme.com/SDRforDarcey