Can you help Sophie's 'magic legs' dream come true? (From Bournemouth Echo)

Can you help Sophie's 'magic legs' dream come true?

2:00pm Tuesday 12th March 2013 in News By Julie Magee

A HOST of fundraising events are being planned to give six-year-old Sophie Thompson the ‘magic legs’, which will transform her life.

Sophie, from Talbot Village, Bournemouth, was diagnosed with spastic diplegia – cerebral palsy – when she was 16 months old.

Despite having to crawl around or be carried at home and relying on a wheelchair and walking frame at school, Sophie never complains.

Her mum Gemma, 26, told the Daily Echo how a spinal operation at Frenchay Hospital in Bristol would enable Sophie to walk unaided.

She said: “We are determined to raise £40,000 to pay for the treatment and aftercare. The operation will change Sophie’s life forever and we are hoping that she can undergo surgery in July.”

Sophie’s dad Michael, 28, said: “Despite having tight muscles and permanently stiff legs Sophie pushes herself to the limit; she has had to spend most of her life on the floor.

“Her natural foot position is on her tiptoes. Despite being in pain, Sophie never complains and is a beautiful, happy little girl.”

Sophie attends St Mark’s primary school at Talbot Village where a fashion show is being organised today to raise funds for Sophie’s ‘magic legs’. Tickets cost £6 and are available from the school or by phoning Dawn on 07979 898685.

Staff and pupils will wear their nightclothes to school on Friday, March 22 for a pyjama day and a ball is being hosted at The Days hostel on Bournemouth East Cliff on Friday, May 17. Tickets cost £35 and include a three-course meal, entertainment, raffle and auction.

To make Sophie’s dream come true visit mymagiclegs.co.uk. Donations can also be made by visiting justgiving.com/mymagiclegs, by text at SOPH75 to 70070 or by phoning 07595 690350.