Could you help the '˜Matilda Mission?'

Devoted Long Eaton parents have launched an appeal to help pay for specialist surgery which could relieve some of the constant pain their disabled daughter suffers.

Jo Bromley and Richard Angus want to raise the £15,000 needed to pay for their five-year-old daughter Matilda, to have Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) at Nottingham University Hospital.

Matilda was starved of oxygen at birth and was born having a seizure that left her with brain damage that has resulted in multiple disabilities and medical complications including cerebral palsy and epilepsy.

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Mum Jo said: “Matilda has spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy which means the muscles in her limbs are painfully tight, making it difficult to stretch her legs or flatten her feet.

“SDR is a proven treatment which releases the tension in the muscles and provides greater independent movement, which will crucially reduce the almost constant pain and discomfort she feels.”

The operation, which involves removing the misfiring nerves that control the muscles from the spinal column, was first pioneered by an American doctor at the St Louis Children’s Hospital, but in recent years has been offered in several hospitals around the UK. Currently under review by the NHS, the operation is only available as paid-for treatment.

Supporting the family’s fundraising are the national charity, Caudwell Children.

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Appeals manager at Caudwell Children Andy Bailey, said: “We have supported over 30 children and families from across the UK to have the SDR 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 are now urging local people to get behind the appeal and help Matilda and her family.”

Jo added, “Matilda has brought us so much joy and she always has a smile for everyone she meets. If I can do anything to make her more comfortable or reduce some of the pain she feels then, like any Mum, I will do it.”

To help the Matilda’s Mission Appeal call Caudwell Children on 01782 600114 or to donate online visit www.justgiving.com/matildasmission.