Mail readers raise 13k for girl denied NHS operation Sophie Thomlinson

Sophie Thomlinson was born prematurely and has spastic diplegia, a form of cerebral palsy which means she cannot use her legs An operation on Sophie's spine would enable her to walk, but she was denied NHS funding meaning her family was faced with raising the 25,000 Donations from readers man the family now have more than half their target

By Rosie Taylor

PUBLISHED: 18:53 EST, 20 March 2014 | UPDATED: 19:05 EST, 20 March 2014

Mail readers have raised more than 13,000 to help Sophie Thomlinson take her first steps

Daily Mail readers have raised more than 13,000 towards surgery to help a two-year-old disabled girl take her first steps.

Sophie Thomlinson was born prematurely and has spastic diplegia, a form of cerebral palsy which means she cannot use her legs.

An operation on her spine would enable her to walk, but she was denied NHS funding meaning her family was faced with raising the 25,000 cost themselves.

After Sophies plight was featured in yesterdays Mail, generous donations from readers mean the family now have more than half their target. One donor, John Marlow, wrote on their online fundraising page: Moved to tears by the Daily Mail article often think the people in charge of funding get their priorities wrong.

Sophies mother Allison, 40, thanked readers for their kindness and said the amount donated was mind-blowing.

Mrs Thomlinson said: I was angry, upset and frustrated at how cosmetic surgery can be available on the NHS yet a procedure to help Sophie and improve her life isnt. It is a childs right to be able to walk.

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Mail readers raise 13k for girl denied NHS operation Sophie Thomlinson