The family of a girl from Helston say they "can't thank everyone enough" after the community rallied to provide her with equipment that should transform her life.
Just weeks after fundraising was launched for Phoebe Bury from Helston, the 12-year-old has been fitted with a brace to hopefully slow and reverse the effects of scoliosis – just in time for her 13th birthday next month.
Phoebe, who was born more than two months early, weighing less than 2lb, has cerebral palsy, which has now resulted in the condition that causes the curvature of the spine.
This, her family said, had come on "very fast" and had it been left to continue to worsen it could have led to her heart and lungs starting to be compressed.
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Phoebe's aunt, Samantha Lote, set up a fundraising page at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/phoebeourlittlestar to raise £3,000 for a specialist brace, to help slow down the curvature – and in just a couple of weeks the target had been reached, meaning Phoebe is now already feeling the benefits of the brace from the UK Scoliosis Clinic.
Her mum Maria said: "We can't thank everyone enough for the donations to help this happen. It's such a relief to see her sitting up straight again and as you can see from her smile she likes it too.
"Thank you so much to everyone for all the support."
Three weeks ago Phoebe and her family travelled to the specialist clinic in Chelmsford, where she spent four hours having photos, X-rays and scans taken to ensure the scoliobrace fits exactly where it needs to, in order to provide the best support.
Maria added: "We cannot believe the generosity of people. Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts."
And Phoebe's aunt, Samantha, said: "We just want to say thank you to everyone who donated and shared, and helped spread the word in any little way. Every single pound means so much to us, thank you for helping us reach our target."
However, fundraising has not stopped there. Currently at just over £3,400, anything extra will help pay for the appointment's X-rays and 3D scanning that was on top of the £3,000 cost of the brace alone, and should further donations be made then the money will be put towards her next brace as she grows.
A fundraising coffee morning is taking place this Friday (February 18) at the Queen's Arms pub in Breage, to raise further money for Phoebe, who goes to the Curnow School in Redruth.
Starting at 10am, there will be a cake sale and raffle, with prizes include a one-night stay for two at Watergate Bay Hotel, Sunday lunch for two at the Queen’s Arms, a year's subscription to Origin Coffee and a celebration cake by Burras Bakes.
There is also a lawn cut from BGM garden maintenance, earrings from Bella Boo, crochet teddy, Golden Tides canvas, handmade cards and vouchers for Harbour Lights, The Crate, Newton Stables and Cornish Blooms among the other prizes.
And next month, on March 12, Helston Town Band members will be taking part in a sponsored play at the Godolphin Club from 12pm until 5pm, splitting what they raise between Phoebe and another good cause.
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