FAMILY and friends have compiled a recipe book to raise funds for a Bournemouth schoolgirl who needs major surgery to transform her life.

Six-year-old Sophie Thompson’s simple dream is to have “magic legs” and be able to play with her little brother Ryan. Instead she has to crawl around her Bournemouth home or be carried by her parents, relying on a wheelchair and walking frame to move around St Mark’s primary school at Talbot Village.

Born prematurely at Poole Hospital, Sophie was diagnosed with spastic diplegia (cerebral palsy) when she was 16 months old.

Her mother Gemma, 26, told the Daily Echo how a spinal operation would enable Sophie to walk unaided, adding: “The operation will change Sophie’s life forever and we are hoping that she can undergo surgery in July. We are determined to raise £40,000 to pay for the treatment and aftercare.”

Sophie has been assessed by experts at Frenchay Hospital in Bristol and is suitable for selective dorsal rhizotomy which could reduce the stiffness in her legs and give her more movement, possibly curing 90 per cent of the spasticity.

Her 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.

“She never complains, even when she is in pain, and is a beautiful, happy little girl.

“The only thing standing in the way of her having a normal childhood is money.”

Earlier this year the family launched a campaign to raise funds for Sophie’s surgery and, so far, they have raised £13,700. Sophie’s Choice recipe book is on sale at £5.

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 07999 456918.