Date set for six-year-old Evie's life-changing surgery after £46,000 raised
A date has been set for a six-year-old girl to have life-changing surgery after her family raised nearly £50,000.
Evie Poole, whose family live in Market Drayton, will have an operation on September 19 to help her walk unaided for the first time.
Evie was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, a neurological condition which causes problems with movement and co-ordination.
Her dad, Jonathan Poole, a paramedic from Market Drayton, applied for corrective surgery, but bosses at South Staffordshire Primary Care Trust refused to pay for the £50,000 operation.
But since January people in Shropshire have been rallying around and have helped the family raise about £46,000, with more donations expected to come in.
Mr Poole said: "We are extremely pleased and very proud to announce that our beautiful daughter will be having her life-changing operation.
"This would never have been possible without the huge hearts and generosity of so many friends, family, acquaintances and others that we have never even met.
"Our hearts and thanks go out to each and every one of you – you are all truly amazing.
"People in Market Drayton have been amazing. They have just taken it and run with it.
"We never expected to achieve what we have in such a short time frame. We thought it could take 12 to 18 months."
The family has been inundated with messages of support, including on its Facebook page, during the fundraising campaign.
One of the most recent fundraising events was a family fun day held at Park Hill Farm in Hales, near Market Drayton.
Pat Pimlott, from the farm, said she couldn't think of a more worthwhile cause in the area to support.
Evie is set to have the operation at Leeds General Infirmary.
