A CAMPAIGN launched to help realise a little girl’s dream to run and play with her friends has raised almost £9,000 in six weeks.

Darcey Stride has cerebral palsy and cannot get around without the help of sticks or a walking frame.

The six-year-old’s condition affects her muscles and as she grows her mobility will get worse.

Darcey’s parents Chantal and Ben have set up a £50,000 appeal to pay for an operation which could transform her life.

The surgery, called selective dorsal rhinopathy (SDR), will reduce the tightness of the muscles in her legs and make it easier for her to move around.

Donations have been flooding in and more than £8,900 has been raised so far.

Events coming up include a sponsored walk on September 13 from the Palace Pier in Brighton to Worthing Pier.

It has been organised by Darcey’s teaching assistants at St Peter’s School in Shoreham and takes place between 10am and 2pm.

A concert is being held at the Ropetackle Centre on September 27 from 3pm, with a line-up including Laura Ward and the Risen Road, Stuart Reed, Fiery Clockface and guitarist Richard Durrant.

Mrs Stride, 40, from Shoreham Beach, said: “Darcey is an incredibly amazing girl who is very determined and has a winning smile.

“She would love to be just like her friends, she doesn't want to have to walk with her walker anymore.

“Darcey can get around using her frame but she can’t stand unaided and can get tired quickly.

“Her speech has also been affected. Despite all this, she is doing really well at school and has lots of friends.”

The £50,000 will cover the cost the operation, plus the intensive physiotherapy that is needed afterwards.

Mrs Stride said: “We are determined to do everything we can to raise the money she needs for the operation.

“It is important that we raise this money quickly as doctors say the ages of six and seven are the optimum times for surgery.

“She knows what it will involve and she is ready. She just wants to have that chance. It means so much to us all.”

To make donations to Darcey’s appeal, visit http://www.gofundme.com/SDRforDarcey or email ben.chantal@btinternet.com.

For more information on the fundraising concert and to buy tickets, visit www.ropetacklecentre.co.uk/folk-for-darcey.