A FUNDRAISING appeal has been launched to help a Thurrock youngster improve her mobility.

Aimee Kellythorn from Corringham is now 14-years-old, but was born seven weeks premature and weighed just 2lb 10oz.

Doctors discovered that she had a bleed on brain, as well as other complex special needs, including bilateral hip dysplasia, scoliosis of the spine, a congenital knee dislocation and cerebral palsy.

She had to be transferred to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge where she could receive the specialist help she needed and initially had only a 50-50 chance of surviving the journey, never mind the treatment that followed.

But beat it she did!

When she was two, she underwent two major operations to resolve the hip dysplasia and knee dislocation. At just under three she was diagnosed with epilepsy, global developmental delay and cortical visual impairment.

She had a further operation when she was eight to repair a broken femur caused by ruptured metalwork implant.

Her latest big operation, only last year, was a posterior spinal fusion to help improve the scoliosis.

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Her mum, Jan, of Colville Close, says: "Despite everything, she is such a happy little girl and being so determined and resilient, she was also recently nominated by her school for a Jack Petchey Foundation Award for 'Outstanding Achiever'.

"I could not have been any prouder!

Apart from when she is in bed or rolling around on the floor, Aimee confined to a wheelchair, so a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) is an essential part of Aimee's day to day life.

Jan says that presents an up-an-coming problem, saying: "The lease on our current vehicle is due to expire soon, but I am unable to raise enough money on my own to afford the non-refundable Advanced Payment required to lease a new WAV due to huge price increases over the past few years.

"Without a replacement vehicle, I will not be able to take Aimee out and about, visit family and friends, attend her regular medical appointments, collect her from school if she's unwell or attend her monthly meetings. Nor will I be able to do essential everyday shopping."

Jan, adding: "Your help would be truly appreciated to ensure Aimee continues to have a life outside of home and school", has launched an online fundraising page in the hope that the local community will help.

You can visit it and donate via this link.

Jan and her family have previously raised funds for Children with Cancer UK.

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Jan has used the GoFundme online platform to good effect before. In 2019 she and members of her family had their head shaved to help her five-year-old nephew who had been diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma. She raised more than £2,000 for Children with Cancer UK.