Sully mum in USA operation fundraiser (From Penarth Times)

Sully mum in USA operation fundraiser

8:00am Monday 29th October 2012 in News By Chris Seal

A SULLY woman is hoping to raise £60,000 for her young daughter to have a life changing operation in America.

Zara Broad, of Minehead Avenue, hopes to raise the money so that her three-year-old daughter Evie can have the pioneering Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) operation in the US.
Sully nursery pupil Evie was diagnosed with cerebral palsy nearly a year ago and struggles to walk independently for long distances.
After researching about possible treatment Zara came to the conclusion that SDR would be the best solution to Evie's mobility problems.
Zara also spoke to the family of Elodie Wilton, whose parents featured in the Penarth Times as they raised money for her to have the same operation, which was a "100% success".
Mum-of-three Zara said that the operation would improve Evie's quality of life: "At the moment she has movement but it is limited, but as she gets older it will progress and she will get worse," she said.
"It's affected both sides of her body, but mainly her leg joints and feet.
"It's a lot of money but you can't put a price on your child's life."
Zara, 29, hopes that Evie can have the operation in March next year, as the surgery is most beneficial to youngsters aged between two and five years old.
"The operation doesn't take away cerebral palsy, but what it does do is stop it progressing," she said.
"It stops all the spasticity and pain and discomfort.
"At the moment she gets tired, angry and frustrated walking short distances."
In a bid to reach the fundraising target Zara has set up a range of events, including two Halloween parties and a Ladies Night.
A children's Halloween party will be held at the Jubilee Hall this Sunday (October 28) from 5-7pm with tickets priced £2.
Another Halloween party will also be held on Wednesday (October 31) at The Watermill in Ogmore between 7-9.30pm.
A Ladies Night, where Zara's friend Pippa Vernon-Fulbrook will shave her head to fundraise for Evie, will also be held at Penarth Conservative Club on November 16 from 7.30pm onwards with tickets priced £5.
A Psychic Night with the medium Austin Charles will also be held at the Grape and Olive in Cardiff on November 22, with tickets priced at £10.
Zara's husband Jason is also set to cycle over 50 miles from Brecon to Cardiff along the Taff Trail on December 2.
If you would like to buy tickets for any of the events you can contact Zara on hopeforevie3@hotmail.co.uk
For more information about Evie, and to donate towards the operation, go to www.hopeforevie.co.uk
You can also donate at www.justgiving.com/hopeforevie3
To sponsor Jason on the charity bike ride go to www.justgiving.com/TaffCycle
To sponsor Pippa to shave her head go to www.justgiving.com/PippaVF