A LITTLE girl’s dream to run and play with her friends is to become a reality following a generous donation from a member of her family.

Darcey Stride, who has cerebral palsy, is due to have an operation which could transform her life next year.

The six-year-old’s parents had launched an appeal to raise £50,000 to cover the cost of surgery and the extensive follow-up physiotherapy and support she will need.

Fundraising had been going well but now a family member has stepped in with an anonymous donation that means there is now enough money to pay for the operation.

Mrs Stride, from Shoreham Beach, said the campaign would still be aiming to raise £30,000 for Darcey’s aftercare.

Darcey cannot get around without the help of sticks or a walking frame and as her condition affects her muscles, her mobility will get worse as she grows.

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

Mrs Stride, 40, said: “The money just came from out of the blue.

“We are in shock but also relieved and very happy to be in this position.

"We have informed Great Ormond Street of our good news and are waiting for a date next year.

We have lowered our fundraising total because we are still committed to the fundraising events that we have planned in."

"Any additional money raised will go towards any further care and therapy that Darcey will need after the operation."

Darcy will need extensive physio as well as speech therapy after the operation - all of which will need to be funded.

Mrs Stride added: “Darcey is really excited now she knows the operation is going to go ahead.

"We are very thankful to our family member who wishes to remain anonymous and to everyone who has supported us so far."

The surgery is not routinely available on the NHS because it is so expensive and still relatively new.

It will normally only be given the go ahead following an application for funding if all other options have been explored.

However, this takes time and the window of opportunity to have surgery is very short as the younger the child, the more successful the operation.

Therefore many families raise the money to cover the cost of surgery so it can be done more quickly.

To make donations to Darcey’s appeal, visit gofundme.com/SDRforDarcey or email ben.chantal@btinternet.com.